'We don't want you to die': Video shows police rescue dog from hot trailer

DENVER (KDVR) — A recently released video showed officers rescuing a dog, reaching near-dangerous temperatures, from a locked trailer outside Denver, prompting a stern reminder of heat safety.

Police in Wheat Ridge say they received a tip about a trailer parked in a neighborhood for three days. Officers checked it out and found a pitbull mix inside the trailer.

It was unclear whether the dog had access to water, prompting concern.

"We used an infrared thermometer to measure the temperature of various surfaces inside the trailer, varying between 88 to 98 degrees," the police department said in a post on X.

The dog measured at 100 degrees, police said.

Studies show temperatures inside a vehicle rise quickly and can become deadly for a dog in less than 20 minutes. If it is 85 degrees outside, the National Weather Service reports that the inside of the car will be 104 degrees after 10 minutes and 119 degrees after 20 minutes. Cracking open the windows makes little to no difference.

The Humane Society says body temperatures of 104 degrees and hotter is a sign that a dog is suffering from a heat-related illness.

The police officers got into the trailer to rescue the dog using a crowbar to pry open the door.

"We're here to help you, we don't want you to die," one officer said during the process. "I don't know where your owner is but I'm mad at them."

The police department said the dog was scared, but with careful coordination, officers were able to get him in a kennel and took him to the Foothills Animal Shelter.

"We’re sure you wouldn’t want to be stuck in a trailer with 100-degree heat. Don’t do that to your pets," WRPD warned.

Police issued a notice of violation for rabies control, cruelty or inhumane treatment and a notice of impoundment to the owner, and an investigation is ongoing.

There have been dozens of reports of dogs being left in hot cars already this summer.

Last year, Denver Animal Protection received 450 calls, and so far this year inspectors have already responded to 130 calls.

Keep animals safe from heat

Signs of a dog suffering from a heat-related illness include heavy panting, excessive drooling, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, unsteadiness, bloody nose, diarrhea, vomiting, dry, deep red or purple tongue, hemorrhages in gums or under the skin and body temperatures over 104 degrees, according to the Humane Society.

The Humane Society recommends seeking veterinary care as soon as possible, even if the dog appears to be improving. In the meantime, you can provide care with these steps from the Humane Society:

• Move the dog to a cool area
• Apply cool, not cold, water or soak in a cool bath
• Place cool, wet towels over the back of the neck, armpits, paws, ear flaps, groin area
• Direct a fan on wet areas to speed evaporative cooling
• Offer fresh, cool water if the dog is alert and wants to drink, but do not force it

While laws can vary by state about whether you can break into a hot vehicle to rescue a pet or person, authorities encourage concerned citizens to contact them first.