Animal owners and caretakers in Calvert County must provide shelter, water, enough room and shade as high temperatures are forecast through Friday.
What’s happening: The Department of Public Safety issued the animal safety alert Tuesday.
Animals at greater risk: Short-nosed dogs and cats can have trouble cooling themselves by panting. These include bulldogs, pugs, boxers, Persians and Shih Tzus. Older animals, puppies, kittens, thick-coated animals and those with breathing, heart or other health problems also face a higher risk of heat stroke.
How to protect animals: Watch outdoor animals at all times and bring them into a cool indoor space if they show signs of distress. Keep animals off hot pavement, limit exercise to short periods in the early morning or late evening, and use cooling mats, fans, damp towels or pet-safe cooling vests when needed. Never leave a pet in a parked car, even with the windows partly open.
Signs of heat stroke: Warning signs include heavy panting, excessive drooling, low energy, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, confusion or seizures. Move an animal showing these signs to a cooler area, offer small amounts of cool water, wet the animal with cool water and use a fan. Contact a veterinarian right away.
What this means for you: Failing to follow the safety rules carries a fine of up to $1,000, up to 30 days in jail or both.
Report a concern: Call the Animal Control Division at (410) 535-1600, ext. 2526, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. After hours, call the nonemergency line at (410) 535-3491.