Dogs left in cars are a much-too-common summertime sight in parking lots, and animal experts say it's extremely dangerous for animals. More from WGNS' John Michaelson...

Warmer temperatures mean more people across Tennessee are out and about with their furry companions, but animal experts say leaving pets in cars can turn a day out into disaster very quickly. Dogs left in cars are an all-too-common summertime sight in parking lots, and animal experts say it is both extremely dangerous for animals and could land their owners in hot water. Courtney Thomas with the S-P-C-A, explains animals can suffer heatstroke within minutes, as temperatures can soar inside a car, even with its windows cracked. She says the side effects of that can ultimately result in the death of the pet, or other neurological and sometimes permanent situations can arise as well. Signs of heatstroke in animals can include panting and seizures. Thomas says it's critical to get an overheated animal to the veterinarian as quickly as possible, and to cool them down on the way – with cold, but not icy, water and compresses.