As temperatures in Maricopa County continue to climb, the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) is escalating its plea to pet owners, urging vigilance to prevent the tragic and unnecessary increase in heat-related pet fatalities. Data from AHS shows a disturbing rise, with seven reported deaths in just three weeks due to heat exposure, as reported by AZFamily.
The underlying cause of these fatalities, according to Tracey Miiller, Director of Field Operations for AHS, is often dogs left outside with neither water nor shelter, sometimes tethered, where the sweltering heat becomes lethal. In a sad account, two dogs perished after being left in a car for an extended period," Miiller told ABC15. She added, "Cars become deadly ovens in just minutes, even on a cool day, temperatures can become deadly."
AHS emphasized the illegality of tethering pets in temperatures above 100 degrees, significant in Phoenix given its scorching summer climate. Dogs, especially when tied up, can easily become entangled, rendering them helpless to seek much-needed water or shade. In a statement obtained by AZ Family, "Humans can get up, they can go indoors, go to a community pool. A pet is generally stuck in the backyard or very small patio that they’re on with no way to escape from the sun," said Miiller.
To aid in prevention, AHS has shared recognizable symptoms of heat stroke, which include loud, rapid panting, red gums and tongue, rapid pulse, and excessive thirst. Critical measures to counter heat stroke involve immediate actions such as moving the pet to a cooler area, consulting a veterinarian swiftly, and utilizing cool, wet cloths to lower their body temperature. However, pet owners are warned, not to forcibly give their pets water or use cold water; as this can lead to shock, according to information from ABC15.
For those who encounter pets enduring heat distress in cars, Arizona’s Samaritan Hot Car Law permits "reasonable force" to rescue them. "Call 911, definitely don’t take matters into your own hands. If you feel safe doing so, I absolutely recommend it to save the pets’ life. Get the police involved; they may in turn call us and redirect us out there, but they will definitely answer the phone faster than we will," Miiller reiterated in a statement to AZ Family. The AHS also points concerned citizens towards their Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ for assistance, reinforcing that the community and pet owners alike bear the responsibility to act against this preventable crisis.
