The dog days of summer have arrived.
As the heat sets in, Prince William County officials are reminding pet owners of a few safety tips.
Community members should not leave pets in an unattended car.
When it is 80 degrees, the inside temperature of a parked car can reach 100 degrees in 10 minutes. Cracking the windows will not reduce the vehicle’s temperature.
Pets who are left in a hot car can experience seizures, heatstroke, brain and nerve damage, or death.
Dog owners should be cautious when taking them on walks.
Hot asphalt can make it difficult for dogs to stay cool and can cause injuries, including burns.
Handlers can determine if asphalt is too hot for a dog by placing their hand on it for five seconds. If it’s difficult to keep their hand on the asphalt, the dog shouldn’t walk on it.
Early morning or late evening is the best time to walk a pet during the summer.
A sturdy structure that has three sides, a roof, and a floor should be available to pets who are left outside. They should also have access to water.
Officials suggest that community members check on pets who are left every 10 minutes to make sure it isn’t distressed.
Signs of a dog being in distress include inability to stand or walk, seizures, vomiting, and a swollen tongue.
Those who think an animal is distressed should call the Prince William County Police Department’s (PWCPD) non-emergency number at 703-792-6500.
Animals who are believed to be suffering from heat exhaustion should be brought to the nearest vet clinic.
