After four dogs were found dead inside parked cars this summer, New Jersey SPCA officers are patrolling beach parking lots this weekend, checking for vehicles with pets locked inside.

If the windows are closed, temperatures in a car parked in the sun can reach 120 degrees within minutes, officials say.

Dogs don't sweat like humans do, so it's even more difficult for them to shed excess heat, according to SPCA Chief Frank Rizzo.

Investigators say they believe most people simply don't understand how hot a car can get with the windows closed. They also say some dog owners just don't care. Both scenarios can result in a dog's death.

If a dog is found inside a car, the car owner can face fines and prosecution. So far, no cats have been found inside any parked cars this season.