I am a letter carrier in Yarmouth. As I walk the postal beat each day it never ceases to amaze me that I see dogs left in hot cars or runners dragging their dogs on long hot runs in the hottest heat of the day. It makes me furious. Thousands of dogs die each year due to heat exhaustion and owners should be mindful of this. Never, ever, leave your dog in your car in the summer, not even for a minute. Leave your dog home.

If you happen to see a dog in distress in the heat or trapped in a hot car, do something about it. Call the police or have the store try to page its owner. It could be a matter of life and death.

Be careful to not over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot. If you want to exercise with your dog, do it in the cool early morning or evening hours. Do not force your dog to go jogging with you in the heat of the summer. While running on the hot pavement at high noon in the blazing sun and humidity might seem like a good time for you, it probably isn’t for your dog. Give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun. Be safe.

Lisa M. Bergeron
Yarmouth