Animal control experts say a small dog is recovering after being left in a hot car on the Fourth of July.

Police say they found a Yorkshire terrier named Pucka trapped in a locked car Monday along Route 39 in New Fairfield with nothing but a bowl of water. A business owner tipped them off.

"People don't realize that the internal temperature of a car can get up to 100 degrees within 5 minutes of locking the doors and the windows," said Kim Kraska with New Fairfield Animal Control.

Authorities arrived to find Pucka in distress, but don't know for how long. They had to break the windows, which were all closed, and immediately got the dog to an air-conditioned police cruiser.

"A dog can go into heat stroke within 15 minutes. It happens so quickly. They become dehydrated within that time and it's something some people just don't seem to understand," said Kraska.  

State police will not say if any arrests have been made.

"Get into a habit to always look before you lock your vehicle," said Trooper First Class Pedro A. Muñiz with Connecticut State Police.

Investigators want people to think before they ever leave an animal or a child alone in the heat.

"Asking people to find other alternatives instead of bringing their dogs out and leaving them in the car," said Kraska.

Pucka is recovering at New Fairfield Animal Control and is in good condition.  

State police are still investigating.  

Police say if you ever see a pet or child unattended in a vehicle you should call 911.