Urgent From PETA: Tips for Keeping Dogs Safe During Hot Weather

For Immediate Release:
July 2, 2020

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

Following recent reports that a Maricopa Police Department K-9 died of a heat-related incident on Saturday, PETA is issuing an urgent warning about the importance of keeping dogs safe during hot weather, including by curbing activity, watching for signs of distress, and never leaving them outdoors in extreme heat or in hot vehicles. Six dogs have already died this year from heat-related causes—and since social distancing because of COVID-19 extends store wait times and prolongs errands, PETA is concerned that this summer could see an unprecedented number of hot weather–related animal deaths.

Anyone who leaves animals outside to suffer in severe weather may be prosecuted for cruelty. With protests currently sweeping the country, this reminder is especially important for dogs, who need to rehydrate frequently and may quickly overheat and burn their paws on hot pavement.

The following tips will help keep animal companions safe in hot weather:

• Keep animals indoors, and leave them at home when it’s hot outside. Unlike humans, dogs can sweat only through their footpads and cool themselves by panting, so even brief sun exposure can have life-threatening consequences. Anyone who sees animals in distress and is unable to help should note their locations and alert authorities immediately.
• Never leave an animal inside a hot vehicle. Temperatures can quickly soar in parked cars, and a dog trapped inside can die from heatstroke within minutes—even if the car is in the shade with the windows slightly open, which has little to no effect on lowering the temperature inside the car. PETA offers an emergency window-breaking hammer for help with intervening in life-or-death situations.
• Avoid hot pavement. When outdoor temperatures reach the 80s, asphalt temperatures can climb to 140 degrees, causing pain, burns, and permanent damage to dogs’ paws after just a few minutes of contact. Walk dogs on grass whenever possible, and avoid walking in the middle of the day. Never run with dogs in hot weather—they’ll collapse before giving up, at which point, it may be too late to save them.

PETA has released a hot-car PSA featuring Mckenna Grace. For more information, visit PETA.org.