Pet Dog Dies Of Heatstroke While Tied Up In Heat For Hours

A woman from Milford, Delaware, was charged with animal cruelty Tuesday after she left her pet dog tied up in excessive heat, causing the canine to die of heatstroke.

The Office of Animal Welfare responded to the home last Thursday after receiving reports of a dog tied up outside. Upon arrival, officials noticed the tethered dog had suffered injuries and heatstroke. They rushed the canine to a nearby animal hospital but it succumbed on the way. Officials said the canine died of heatstroke after being left outside for several hours without water or shade. Another dog was found at the home and was seized by the officials.

Following this, the dogs’ owner, 36-year-old Kimberly Sterling, was charged with several offenses including animal cruelty and failure to obtain a dog license.

Officials said they have been receiving several calls regarding animals left outside in the heat.

Warning the owners, Christina Motoyoshi, director of the Delaware Office of Animal Welfare, said, “If it’s too hot for you, and you’re uncomfortable, it’s too hot for them.”

“It’s really important people not leave their pets outside — particularly if they don’t have proper shade, water and shelter. Bring them inside, and we can’t stress that enough. Do not take your pets in the car with you to do your shopping or visit a friend while leaving them in the car,” Motoyoshi added.

Earlier this week, vets issued a warning after a pet dog almost died of heatstroke in Glasgow, Scotland. The dog was walking in a park when it collapsed after it became overheated. The dog’s owner said she noticed the canine panting after it ran around the park for a while. When she decided to take the dog home, it started breathing heavily and collapsed. She rushed the canine to a nearby hospital where it was given emergency treatment.

Following this, Terri Steel, a vet, said, "While any dog can suffer heatstroke, certain dogs are more at risk. Flat-faced breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs and Shih Tzus are more likely to experience heatstroke as they can't cool down as effectively through panting, compared to dogs with a longer nose. So it's especially important to make sure they don't overheat in the first place. Obese dogs, those with very thick coats, dogs that are dressed up, very young pets, and those with breathing problems are also all at higher risk.”