Prince George’s warns residents to protect pets during extreme heat

Prince George’s County warned Tuesday that pets could face heatstroke, vehicle danger and fireworks-related injuries as the Baltimore/Washington region moved under a Heat Advisory and Extreme Heat Watch, with heat index values expected to top 100 degrees in parts of the area.

Under Animal Control Ordinance Section 3-180, it is unlawful to keep domestic animals, except livestock, outdoors when the heat index reaches 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, as defined by the National Weather Service. Owners who subject an animal to unnecessary suffering or neglect can face enforcement action.

Never leave a pet alone in a vehicle, even briefly, and ignore the false sense of security that can come from cracked windows or running air conditioning. Maryland law separately bars leaving a cat or dog unattended in a standing or parked motor vehicle in a way that endangers the animal’s health or safety. It is never safe to leave a child, disabled person or pet locked in a car, even in winter, and the National Weather Service warns that each year dozens of children and untold numbers of pets die from hyperthermia in parked vehicles.

Protect paw pads from hot pavement, walk animals in cooler morning or evening hours and keep fresh water and shade available at all times. Doghouses can trap heat and make conditions worse, and moderate grooming can help only after talking with a veterinarian before making major changes.

Senior pets, overweight animals, pets with heart or respiratory conditions and flat-faced breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese and Lhasa Apsos face greater risk during strenuous activity. Overweight pets and short-nosed dog breeds are at higher risk during warm-weather exercise. Warning signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, breathing difficulty, lethargy, drooling, vomiting, collapse and a rapid heart rate, and owners should contact a veterinarian immediately if those symptoms appear.

Keep pets away from fireworks. Loud blasts can trigger panic, escape attempts and injuries. People who suspect neglect or cruelty can call the Animal Services Division 24/7 at 301-780-7200 and select option 8 for animal-related emergencies. Its Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center in Upper Marlboro responds to cruelty complaints, injured animals, sick animals and animals running at large, while cooling centers are available during extreme heat and permanent locations open to the public when temperatures reach 90 degrees or higher.