NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET ) — Summers in North Dakota can get hot, and dogs are prone to heat strokes, even in mild temperatures.

According to a news release, dogs should never be left alone in the car in the summer, even on cloudy days — the temperature inside can get dangerously high.

Even though there’s a high awareness of the issue, police departments still get several reports of dogs left in hot cars.

A Nordic pet care group, Musti Group , wants to educate owners and passers-by with a new campaign.

The campaign has a fully functioning robotic dog that simulates the symptoms of a heat stroke and shows how fast a car can turn into a death trap.

“When it comes to recognizing dangerous situations,” said Musti Group’s Head of Nordic Marketing Eveliina Rantahalvari, “real-life experience is the best form of education. By creating a tangible, cautionary example that people witness with their own eyes, we hope to increase awareness of how and when to act in these situations, both as a dog owner and a passer-by.”

Because dogs cannot regulate their body temperature by sweating, they have a higher risk of suffering from heat stroke.

“The temperature inside the car rises dangerously high faster than many people realize,” Rantahalvari continues. “Even leaving the car’s windows open is not enough to ensure the dog is not at risk.”

If passers-by notice a trapped dog, the animal might need help immediately.

“If you notice a dog left in a hot car,” Rantahalvari states, “the first thing you should do is try to get in contact with the owner. For example, in a store or shopping center, you can ask the staff to make an announcement to try and alert the owner.”

If the owner cannot be found quickly, the helper should contact local law enforcement, and ask for instructions to help the dog.

Symptoms of heat stroke can include severe lethargy, dark redness of the tongue and oral mucosa, convulsions, and tremors. If the dog is not panting or showing signs of restlessness and lies still, the situation might be very serious.

“During summer, overheating is also a threat outside the car, concluded Rantahalvari. “It can be prevented by giving the dog enough water, staying in the shade, swimming, and, for example, with ice cream made for dogs.”

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