Keep Close Eye On Pets As Temperatures Soar

BEVERLY, MA — As Massachusetts residents look for ways to stay cool as the heat index soars into triple-digits over the next three days, Beverly Animal Control is reminding everyone to keep an eye out for signs one of the pets may be struggling amid the scorchers.

Most responsible pet owners know not to leave Buddy in a parked car during the summer, but Beverly Animal Control advises not him for rides even when he may be alone for a very short time.

"Never leave animals in a vehicle unattended for any length of time," Beverly AC said. "Leaving the air conditioner on is not acceptable. Vehicles and air conditioners can malfunction and lead to potentially fatal conditions."

"YES, this has happened and dogs have died as a result."

Leaving a pet in a hot vehicle is also a citable offense for animal cruelty and neglect. In Aug. 2016, an amendment was made to state law to protect animals in vehicles.

According to the law, after making a reasonable attempt to find the owner a firefighter or law enforcement officer "may enter a motor vehicle by any reasonable means to protect the health and safety of an animal.

"The owner may retrieve the animal only after payment of all charges that have accrued for the maintenance, care, medical treatment and impoundment of the animal."

The statute states that the law enforcement officer or firefighter acting in good faith on the animal's behalf is immune to liability for any damage to the vehicle.

The violation is punishable by a fine of $150 for the first offense, $300 for a second offense and up to $500 for a third or subsequent offense.

(More Patch Coverage: Dangerous Heat, Humidity Headed To Massachusetts To End The Week)

Residents are also advised to go on short walks and stay on grassy surfaces whenever possible.

"The pavement heats up and can cause serious injury to your pet's paws," Beverly AC said. "If the pavement is too hot for your bare feet, it is too hot for theirs."

At 77 degrees air temperature, the asphalt in the sun can be up to 125 degrees. At 86 degrees, asphalt temperature is 135 degrees. At 90 degrees, asphalt temperature can be close to 143 degrees.

At 125 degrees on the asphalt, skin and paws can burn in less than 60 seconds.

Pets can also suffer from heatstroke.

Signs of possible heatstroke in a dog include excessive panting, excessive drooling, redness of gums, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of consciousness, uncoordinated movement, collapsing and unresponsiveness.

If you notice any of these symptoms, get your pet to a cool place where it can hydrate as quickly as possible, and call the veterinary office or animal hospital immediately if symptoms are severe.

Since you are going to want to be cool through the latest heatwave, and your pet most likely wants nothing more than to be with you, make sure you are together with lots of water and either air conditioning or a really good fan for at least the next three days.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)