Urgent: PETA Warns That Dogs May Die in Heat Wave—Vital Tips Here

For Immediate Release:
June 29, 2022

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

Washington, D.C. – This week’s scorching temperatures—expected to reach the 90s in the Washington area—will put dogs at high risk of enduring heat prostration and dying, so PETA is issuing an urgent warning to anyone with a dog. Please be sure to do the following:

  • Put palm to pavement before walks to ensure that it won’t burn dogs’ foot pads.
  • Be alert to a long, curled-up tongue and heavy panting, as dogs can’t sweat as humans can and heat builds up inside their bodies.
  • Walk only in the shade or on earth or grass, and never leave animals outdoors in extreme heat or inside vehicles.

Last summer, PETA fieldworkers discovered the body of a dog who had died after being left chained up in the hot sun, with similar reports nationwide. A law-enforcement officer also mistakenly left a dog inside his patrol car and the K-9 succumbed to heat prostration and died. Already this year, 23 dogs have reportedly died from heat-related causes. (The actual figure is likely far higher, as most heat-related companion animal deaths go unreported.)

Anyone who leaves animals outside to suffer in severe weather may be prosecuted for cruelty.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

For Media: Contact PETA's
Media Response Team.

Contact

Get PETA Updates

Stay up to date on the latest vegan trends and get breaking animal rights news delivered straight to your inbox!

By submitting this form, you’re acknowledging that you have read and agree to our privacy policy and agree to receive e-mails from us.

 Ingrid E. Newkirk

“Almost all of us grew up eating meat, wearing leather, and going to circuses and zoos. We never considered the impact of these actions on the animals involved. For whatever reason, you are now asking the question: Why should animals have rights?” READ MORE

— Ingrid E. Newkirk, PETA President and co-author of Animalkind