In the two weeks leading up to Summer in Montgomery County, officials had to respond to multiple reports of dogs that had died of heat exhaustion.
At least three dogs were found dead after spending the day outside with no shade and not enough water, and other pets had to be saved from a dangerous situation.
In Clarksville, there is an ordinance that requires animals are given shade if left outside in hopes of protecting the animals from suffering.
"Overheating is overheating," Jim Knoll, public information officer for the Clarksville Police Department, said. "If they don't have access to shade, if they don't have access to water, its no different than leaving them in a car."
Most animals have a coat of fur or hair that could be comparable to a human wearing a sweater.
"They can actually overheat in minutes," Jeanette Farrell, director of Montgomery County Animal Care and Control, said. "Within a 20 minute period, they can go from being just fine and normal to going into respiratory distress."
Some dogs can drink more than 5 gallons of water per day while out in hot temperatures.
"If you need water, your dog needs water," Rodney Journey, an animal control officer in Montgomery County, said.
A failure to provide shade and water to pets can result in animal cruelty or aggravated animal cruelty charges for pet owners.
"We really don't want to have to charge anyone criminally, but that will be done if they don't properly care for their animals," Knoll said.
If you see an animal outside in hot temperatures without shade or water, you're urged to call animal control or police.
