Urgent Risk: Dogs Will Die During Southern U.S. Heat Wave—Vital Tips From PETA

For Immediate Release:
July 21, 2025

Contact:
Alex Payne 202-483-7382

Norfolk, Va. –

With a heat dome expected to send temperatures soaring in the southern U.S. this week, PETA is issuing an alert to the dangers that heat poses to companion animals. Last year, at least 163 dogs and cats reportedly died from heat-related causes—and the actual figure is likely far higher, as most deaths go unreported. If you’re hot, dogs and cats—who can’t sweat as humans do—are even hotter.

*Bruce, a dog left chained outside in North Carolina’s scorching heat, had no shade until PETA fieldworkers provided him with a tarp. Credit: PETA*

PETA urges people to be on the lookout for animals who are in need of assistance, including those who may be experiencing heatstroke symptoms, and advises everyone to do the following:

If keeping dogs chained outside isn’t illegal in your community, urge your local officials to outlaw it. Contact PETA to learn how.

Walk dogs during cooler parts of the day and limit the time they spend outside in the heat. Before walks, touch the pavement to ensure that it won’t burn dogs’ foot pads. In hot weather, walk only in the shade or on earth or grass.

Never leave animals outdoors in extreme heat or inside vehicles at any time.

If you see a dog showing signs of heatstroke—including heavy panting, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty walking, seizures, and collapse—ensure that the animal is moved into the shade or an air-conditioned space, offer them water, and wet them down with room-temperature (not cold) water. If their owner isn’t around, call local authorities immediately.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.