Don’t leave Fido in a parked car

As the dog days of summer bring scorching temperatures, animal lovers should remember hot dogs belong on the grill, not in parked cars.

While never a good idea, leaving your pet alone in a vehicle — even for a quick errand — is especially dangerous this time of year.That’s because a parked car can become an oven under the sun.

Research shows that cracking the windows doesn’t have a significant effect on how quickly the temperature rises.

Unlike humans, dogs cannot sweat and do not regulate temperatures as efficiently as we do, making them extra vulnerable to heat stroke, which can be fatal.

This summer, be a responsible pet owner. And if you see a distressed animal inside a parked car, call your local animal control or law enforcement immediately — you could save a life.