Arizona Humane Society urges owner vigilance following increase in heat-related pet deaths

PHOENIX — The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) is urging owners to be more vigilant and take better care of their animals following an increase in heat-related pet deaths.

Seven dogs have died in recent weeks from heat-related causes, according to AHS.

“Heat-related deaths are some of the most heart wrenching for our teams to investigate because they are 100%  preventable,” AHS Director of Field Operations Tracey Miiller said in a press release.

“The majority of these cases are dogs left outside in a backyard or on a patio with no water and no shelter. Triple-digit temperatures are deadly to pets, and it is alarming to see so many heat-related deaths this early in the year. At the same time last year, AHS had investigated two heat-related pet deaths.”

AHS said that four of the deaths were from dogs being left outside with no shelter or water. Meanwhile, the others were from one dog being tethered on a leash and two dogs being left in a car for at least six hours in Queen Creek.

“Cars become deadly ovens in just minutes,” Miiller said. “Even on a cool day, temperatures can become deadly.”

Under Arizona’s Samaritan Hot Car Law, people are allowed to use reasonable force to remove a child or pet from a hot car if they believe they are in imminent danger of physical injury or death.

The organization also noted that in Phoenix it is illegal to tether a dog during extreme weather conditions, including when temperatures reach over 100 degrees. This is due to the fact that the tether can easily become stuck and prevent the dog from access water and shelter.

What does AHS tell owners to do to reduce these heat-related pet deaths?

AHS reminded pet owners that like to hike that Phoenix trails are closed to dogs when temperatures are 100 degrees and above. Violators could be subject to a class one misdemeanor, $2,500 fine and jail time.

The organization also told owners not to walk their dogs on pavement as it can burn their feet.

In addition, AHS encouraged Arizonans to know the signs of heat stroke in their pet, which include:

• Loud, rapid panting
• Red gums and tongue
• Rapid pulse
• Excessive thirst
• Glazed eyes
• Excessive/lack of drool
• Weakness/collapse
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness
• 103+ body temperature.

If the pet is exhibiting these symptoms, AHS tells owners to move them to a cool place, immediately call their veterinarian, place a cool, wet cloth on their belly, ears, paws and neck and put a fan blowing directly on them.

However, the organization says not to force them to drink water, leave the pet alone or use cold water as this can cause them to go into shock.

Anyone looking to report signs of animals in distress should call their local police department or AHS’ Emergency Animal Medical Technicians at 602-997-7585 ext. 2073.

Additional pet heat safety tips can be found on AHS’ website.

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