OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — What started as a quick errand nearly turned fatal when a vehicle’s automatic shut-off feature activated, locking two dogs inside as the Florida heat turned the truck into an oven.

The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) posted to Facebook on Saturday that the owners, unable to access the vehicle, called for help as temperatures began to rise.

Deputies rushed to the scene after receiving the call. In the video, one deputy can be heard saying, “We’re responding to a call in reference to a vehicle that has been off now for probably about half an hour. There is a dog inside of it, so we’re going to respond to the address and see if we can get ’em out.”

The video is graphic, showing just how fast conditions inside a vehicle can become life-threatening — even when technology is involved. The sheriff’s office said that the owner believed the shut-off feature was disabled, but the system engaged after 15 minutes, cutting the engine and air conditioning. Within minutes, the interior temperature skyrocketed.

**Warning: Viewer discretion is advised. Video shows dogs in hot car.**

When they arrived, the situation was dire. Another deputy says, “That dog’s in that type of condition over there laying down. Do you wanna bust the window out?”

“Do it,” the owner said.

The urgency is clear as the deputies work to free the overheated dogs.

“We may have to I know you got somewhere to put her. She’s hotter than hell,” the deputy is heard saying.

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The sheriff’s office said that both dogs were saved and made a full recovery after emergency treatment by Dr. GW Jarriel at Okeechobee Veterinary Hospital. According to the post, both dogs survived the experience.

This incident underscores a critical message: never leave pets in a vehicle, even briefly, and never assume safety features will protect them.

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