'Don’t do that to your pets': Video shows police rescue dog left inside hot trailer

A Colorado police department is asking pet owners to be responsible this summer after a video of officers breaking a dog out of a hot vehicle drew attention online.

The Wheat Ridge Police Department shared the video on its Facebook page Friday, adding: "It is WAY too hot to leave your dog in a trailer unattended."

The 45-second clip shows police gathered outside a trailer where a dog can be heard barking. After a brief conversation, the group agrees that the dog locked inside is in distress and needs help.

According to the department, the officers had received a tip that the trailer had been parked in a neighborhood for three days. When police arrived, they saw a pitbull mix trapped inside without visible access to water.

In the video, officers use tools to open the locked door and then reach into the trailer with an animal control pole, which they attempt to loop around the barking dog's head.

"We are here to help you, we don't want you to die," one officer can be heard saying.

Child hot car deaths:Tips to prevent summer tragedy

With the help of a little sweet talk, the officers lead the dog out of the trailer and calmly into a waiting kennel while showering him with some "good boy" praise. While scared, the dog was luckily okay, police said.

According to the department, infrared thermometer readings from surfaces inside the trailer read as high as 88 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit. The dog itself measured at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, said police.

The dog was transported to the care of the local Foothills Animal Shelter and police have issued notices of violation for rabies control, cruelty or inhumane treatment and impoundment to the dog's owner. An investigation is still ongoing, the department said.

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

Hot car safety

As previously reported by USA TODAY, hot weather means more hot car deaths, especially for small children and animals left behind.

The temperature inside your vehicle can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes, and in an hour it can result in temperatures 40 degrees hotter than outside. Even on a 70-degree day, it can soon reach over 100 degrees in your car and cracking the windows makes no real difference.

Here's what the American Veterinary Medical Association says you should do to prevent a tragic accident:

• "Love 'em and leave 'em". Leave your pets at home where they can wait for you in a cool environment, except when you absolutely need to have them in the vehicle.
• Ask your veterinarian how to recognize signs of heat stress and keep an eye peeled on any outing with your pet.
• Make sure your dog has unlimited access to fresh water and shade when out and about.
• If you think it's hot outside, it's even hotter for your pet – make sure your pet has a means of cooling off.
• Ask your veterinarian if your pet would benefit from a warm-weather haircut or other protection.
• Avoid hot surfaces - if surfaces in your car are hot, they can burn your pet just like they can you.

Some additional tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that apply to both children and pets:

• Make it a habit to open the rear door as you get out of the car, and keep anything that you need to start your day in the backseat, such as your mobile phone or computer bag.
• Put something that will serve as a visual cue that your child or pet is with you, such a diaper bag or toy, in the front seat.
• Ask your childcare (or pet care) providers to call you if your child (or pet) isn't dropped off as scheduled.