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(LAS CRUCES) -- As the temperatures continue to sizzle, the dona ana county sheriff's office wants the public to keep an eye on neighbors and that includes pets in our community.
Area pets will need extra attention and care over the next month or so as the summer time tends to bring in hot temperatures.
"The likelihood that your animal could fall victim to a heat stroke is very real and it's very quick. So, we like to remind pet owners during the hottest time in the summer which is right now, even though we've had a lot of rain, it can get very hot, very quickly," said Kelly Jameson with the Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office.
Just last week investigators with the department found a dead dog in the community from an apparent heat stroke. She says the animal did not have access to water and no proper shelter or shade.
"I think sometimes people get a little to wrapped up in their own lives and it's easy to do, just slow down a little bit, especially in the summer, everybody is very busy, we all like to be outdoors but if you're going to be outdoors, remember your pet is also outdoors so, make sure it has water," she said.
It's recommended pets have access to fresh, clean water at all times. Never leave a pet unattended in a parked car because the temperature in a car can exceed one hundred degrees in minutes. If possible, keep your pet indoors when the weather is dangerously hot.
"By getting the word out and being proactive and educating the public to be mindful of the elements," she said.
Some warning signs your pet may have heat exhaustion includes excessive panting, vomiting and lethargic behavior...and it's best to notify someone quickly.
You're not being nosy or you're not being a bad neighbor by calling central dispatch to report your neighbor's animal doesn't have access to water, it could be very simply that your neighbor forgot to fill up the water dish and that happens sometimes," she said.
