Temperatures were so oppressive during the heat wave that gripped much of the country recently that many people found it difficult to breathe. Yet while humans can head for air-conditioned buildings, pools or beaches--or sit in front of a fan--to cool off, countless dogs were left chained or penned outdoors with no way to escape the sweltering temperatures. And not all of them survived.
A dog in Boynton Beach, Fla., died after being left outside in a tarp-covered crate; two dogs died of heatstroke after being left outdoors in Ross County, Ohio; a dog named Sadie who was left outside in Raleigh, N.C., with no access to shelter, food or water fell victim to the heat, and a chained dog with no access to shade was found dead in Indianapolis.
These are just a few of the deaths that have been reported. Most aren't. With plenty of hot weather still to come, dogs need caring people to watch out for them and help them.
Throughout the heat wave, PETA's fieldworkers rushed to bring relief to dogs who were left outdoors. Some didn't even have a drop of water or a sliver of shade to provide relief from the blazing sun. One dog, Dee Dee, was so thirsty and dehydrated that she drank nonstop for over four minutes when they gave her a bucket of fresh water.
Hot temperatures are more dangerous for dogs than they are for humans. That's because they don't sweat as humans can and cool themselves primarily by panting. Without protection from the sun and high temperatures, heatstroke can occur in minutes, causing brain damage or even death.
But it's not just neglected backyard dogs who are in danger. Many other dogs have been severely injured or even died after being walked or forced to run during the heat of the day.
Dogs depend on us to protect them, so always test the pavement by placing your hand on it for 10 seconds before setting out. If it feels hot to you, it's too hot for Spot. Walk early in the morning or late at night when it's cooler, bring water along, and take frequent breaks in shady spots.
Never force dogs to run in the heat or make them wear muzzles that restrict their breathing--they will collapse before giving up, but by then it may be too late to save them.
And if you're tempted to leave your dog in a parked car for "just a minute" while you run an errand--don't. Just don't. Hundreds of dogs have died this way, in mortal terror and agony. If you see a dog in a hot vehicle, consider it an emergency--call 911 immediately and have nearby businesses page the vehicle's owner. Don't leave until the dog is out of the car.
By taking precautions with our canine companions and watching out for other dogs, we can help prevent the dog days of summer from turning deadly.
Editorial on 08/12/2019