Woman blames heat for stray dog’s death

The summer heat wave we’re experiencing can be extremely dangerous not only for humans but also pets.

It doesn’t take much for animals to become overheated and if not attended to they can die.

Unfortunately, that was the case for one dog in Desert Hot Springs.

“I was heart broken, this dog is the face of neglect, this dog is the face of what heat does to animals,” said Cathie Coats who lives in Desert Hot Springs.

Coats is part of a group called “Rescue Warriors” who help animals from all walks of life.

When temps soared Saturday, Coats got a call about a dog left in the harsh elements at a car dealership.

“I crawled under the car and determine this dog was definitely deceased,” Coats said.

Locals believe the dog was a stray left to fend for herself.

And by the time Coats got to the dealership it was too late.

“When I touched this dogs body it was hot, it was hot to the touch,”

This dog unfortunately serves as a reminder why pets should never be left outside in this heat.

“Its pets out there in the communities that might be trying to find a place to hunker down and it’s brutal. They need water just like us,” said John Welsh with Riverside County Animal Services.

If you’re hot outside, your pet is even hotter.

And with all that fur it doesn’t take them long to overheat.

“If a dog looks like its in stress it’s going to be laid out somewhere,” Welsh said.

The American Kennel Club said panting, followed by disorientation and loud breathing could be other signs of overheating. Welsh said keep your pets inside as much as possible, walk them in the early and late hours of the day and make sure they have plenty of water.

With recent power outages many people might feel helpless when trying to keep pets cool.

But Welsh said pets are still better off inside with no air conditioning than out in the elements.

“If you can survive in your home without the air conditioning running for an hour, two hours, even if it’s not very pleasant the animal can deal with it too certainly with plenty of water near by,” Welsh said.

If you do notice signs of exhaustion, always take your pet immediately to the vet.

Despite the efforts of many, it was too late to save this dog.

But Coats hopes it will bring awareness to why extreme heat is deadly for pets.

When it comes to stray animals, like in this case, Welsh said the best way to help is to call the county at (951) 358-7387. For other signs of overheating and dehydration click here.