Urgent Risk: Dogs Will Die During East Coast Heat Wave—Vital Tips From PETA

For Immediate Release:
June 18, 2024

Contact:
Rachel Hershkovitz 202-483-738

Norfolk, Va. –

With a heat dome expected to send temperatures soaring in North Carolina this week, PETA is alerting everyone to the dangers that heat poses to companion animals and reminding them that it’s illegal to leave a dog outside without access to shelter, shade, and potable water. Last year, at least 163 dogs and cats reportedly died from heat-related causes—and the actual figure is likely far higher, as most deaths go unreported. If you’re hot, dogs and cats—who can’t sweat as humans do—are even hotter.

Bruce, a dog left chained outside in North Carolina’s scorching heat, had no shade until PETA fieldworkers provided him with a tarp. Credit: PETA

PETA urges people to be on the lookout for animals who are in need of assistance, including those who may be experiencing heatstroke symptoms, and advises everyone to do the following:

Walk dogs during cooler parts of the day and limit the time they spend outside in the heat. Before walks, touch the pavement to ensure that it won’t burn dogs’ foot pads. In hot weather, walk only in the shade or on earth or grass.
Never leave animals outdoors in extreme heat or inside vehicles at any time.
If you see a dog showing signs of heatstroke—including heavy panting, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty walking, seizures, and collapse—ensure that the animal is moved into the shade or an air-conditioned space, offer them water, and wet them down with room-temperature (not cold) water. If their owner isn’t around, call local authorities immediately.
If keeping dogs chained outside isn’t illegal in your community, urge your local officials to outlaw it. Contact PETA to learn how.

For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on X, Facebook, or Instagram.