Windsor/Essex County Humane Society warns heat is a danger to pets

Four calls about pets in distress were placed to the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society as the temperature soared Tuesday.

There were two calls during the day and two at night.

"That's a bit more than usual," said Melanie Coulter, executive director of the Windsor Essex County Humane Society.

Fewer calls about animals suffering in the heat are actually placed during a heat alert because people "get it," Coulter noted.

Her bigger concern is when the temperature is between 20 C and 30 C.

Windsor-Essex is currently under a Level 1 heat alert. Environment Canada is calling for a high of 31 C Wednesday with a humidex value of 40 C.

Coulter said while fewer pets are being left in vehicles, there is still a huge risk of pets suffering heat stroke while walking with their owners.

"If you don't want to run a three-kilometre [run] in this weather, chances are your dog doesn't either," she said.