Summer heat and a heavy working dog
Heat waves are shorter in New Hampshire than in the South, but they do arrive, and large dogs struggle first.
01The statute and the state advice
The New Hampshire SPCA hot car page quotes RSA 644:8-aa as treating confinement of a dog in a parked car during dangerous temperatures as animal cruelty. The ReadyNH extreme heat page tells people never to leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles, even with the windows down.
02If you see a dog in a car
The state humane agent handout on pets in hot cars says to report it to local police or the humane agent at once, note the license plate and ask a nearby business to make an announcement, then wait for police at the vehicle.
03Health department advisories
A June 2026 state health department heat advisory warned of temperatures in the 90s with high dew points. Use the same days to cut back hard exercise for your dog.
- Walk at first light.
- Never leave the dog in a parked car.
- Keep shade and cool water available.
- Rest the dog on very humid days.
- Know your nearest emergency veterinarian.
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