Extreme heat kills 4 dogs in 1 day in this MS Coast county. How to keep your pets safe.
A weekend heatwave took its toll on Mississippi Coast animals.
According to a social media post, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office saw firsthand what high temperatures could do.
“Please keep an eye on your pets,” said a sheriff’s office post Sunday. “Deputies have responded to four different addresses today and found their dogs deceased from this heat.”
The dog deaths come at a time where temperatures are soaring in the Gulfport-Biloxi metro, and the daily heat index makes it feel even more scorching outside.
And there’s no immediate relief coming. WLOX-TV meteorologist Eric Jeansonne said the heat index could climb to 120 degrees over the next few days and into the weekend. Temperatures across the Coast climbed to 97 degrees in some cities, according to WXXV-TV.
Including Sunday’s victims, at least 104 companion animals have died from heat-related causes nationwide, according to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
As of Aug. 4, another 366 pets were rescued this year.
Overheating and heat strokes can cause irreversible damage to organs and death.
Signs your pet is suffering from a heat stroke
Every part of the body contains a clue or symptom to your pet’s discomfort.
- Head: The pet may seem disoriented, confused, lethargic or anxious.
- Mouth: Your pet may have dry mouth, excessive panting or bright red gums.
- Body: The heat will cause weakness, a racing heart, seizures and the body will radiate heat.
- Stomach: Your pet may start vomiting and have diarrhea, dark urine or loss of appetite.
- Legs: Watch out for wobbling, unsteadiness or collapsing.
6 steps to prevent a heat stroke in your pet
- Limit their time outdoors
- Never leave them in a hot car
- Give them water and shade
- Restrict exercise
- Stay off of asphalt
- Don’t get them shaved
In Hattiesburg, one tragic accident killed 12 animals. En route to an adoption event on July 26, the A/C Unit stopped working on a trailer used to transport the animals from Atlanta, LifeLine Animal Project posted on Facebook.
Eleven dogs died at the scene and another died after it was rushed to an emergency veterinarian, according to the Facebook post.
Using emergency supplies, the employees worked quickly to save 22 others.
What to know about hot car deaths
Hot car deaths are most common in the summer heat, but they can happen at any time, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Leaving a window open is not enough —- temperatures inside the car can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes, even with a window cracked open,” the Centers for Disease Control /and Prevention/ said.
If you see a child or pet alone in a hot vehicle, officials said you should immediately call 911.
