Prince George’s County Reminds Residents to Protect Pets During Extreme Summer Heat

LARGO, MD – As dangerously high temperatures continue across the region, the Prince George's County Department of the Environment's (DoE) Animal Services Division is reminding residents to take extra precautions to protect their pets from heat-related illness and death.

Extreme heat poses a serious risk to animals. Under Prince George's County Animal Control Ordinance Section 3-180 (Animal Cruelty and Neglect), it is unlawful to keep domestic animals, except livestock, outdoors when the heat index reaches 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, as determined by the National Weather Service. Individuals who subject an animal to unnecessary suffering or neglect may face enforcement action under the ordinance.

Residents are encouraged to follow these important hot weather safety tips:

• Never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle. Maryland law prohibits leaving an animal in an unattended vehicle, even if the windows are cracked or the air conditioning is running. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly, becoming deadly within minutes.
• Protect paws from hot pavement. Asphalt and concrete can become hot enough to burn paw pads. Walk pets during the early morning or evening hours when surfaces are cooler.
• Provide plenty of fresh, cool water and shade. Ensure pets always have access to clean drinking water and shaded, well-ventilated areas. Avoid relying solely on doghouses, which can trap heat and increase temperatures.
• Help pets stay cool. Regular brushing removes excess fur, and some dogs may benefit from a moderate trim during the summer months. Consult your veterinarian before making significant grooming changes.
• Limit strenuous activity. Exercise pets during cooler parts of the day and bring extra water on walks or outdoor adventures.
• Take extra care with vulnerable pets. Senior pets, overweight animals, pets with heart or respiratory conditions, and flat-faced breeds—including Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Lhasa Apsos—are especially susceptible to heat stress and should remain indoors in air-conditioned environments whenever possible.
• Know the warning signs of heatstroke. Excessive panting, difficulty breathing, lethargy, drooling, vomiting, collapse, or an elevated heart rate are signs of a medical emergency. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet exhibits any of these symptoms.
• Protect pets from fireworks. Loud fireworks and celebrations can cause fear, anxiety, and panic, leading pets to escape or become injured. Keep pets indoors in a secure, quiet room; ensure they wear identification tags and are microchipped; and never bring pets to fireworks displays.

"Summer can be especially dangerous for pets, but a few simple precautions can save lives," said DoE Animal Services Division Associate Director David Fisher. "Providing water, shade, and a cool place to rest and never leaving a pet in a parked vehicle are among the most important steps residents can take to keep their animals safe."

For additional pet safety information, visit www.princegeorgespets4us.com.

To report suspected animal neglect or cruelty in Prince George's County, contact the Animal Services Division at 301-780-7200 and select "0" after the emergency message.

For a copy of the Prince George's County Animal Control Ordinance, visit: https://library.municode.com/md/prince_george's_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIITI17PULOLAPRGECOMA_SUBTITLE_3ANCO

For more information, contact:
Judith Hall, Public Information Specialist
Department of the Environment
jhall@co.pg.md.us; (240) 904-7649 (cell)

 

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