The Department of Public Health is warning citizens about the upcoming heat wave in Santa Clarita, as law enforcement officials are already fielding calls about pets locked in hot cars. 

After calls from concerned citizens, Santa Clarita deputies rescued a dog trapped inside a hot vehicle late Thursday afternoon.

“We want to thank the citizens who observed the dog and notified us immediately,” according to a Santa Valley Sheriff’s Station Facebook post. “When deputies arrived, two citizens went and prepared containers of water, ready to help and assist.”

The heat the dog was left in might have caused the animal to overheat, and officials are using this opportunity to address safety information about the upcoming heat wave.

Los Angeles Department of Public Health officials issued a heat advisory warning for the Santa Clarita Valley from Monday, June 19 to Tuesday, June 20, according to a department press release.

“When temperatures are high, even a few hours of exertion may cause severe dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Others who are frail or have chronic health conditions may develop serious health problems leading to death if they are exposed to high temperatures over several days,” said Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, MD, MPH, Interim Health Officer, Los Angeles County.

“Thus, it is critically important to never leave children, elderly people, or pets unattended in homes with no air conditioning and particularly in vehicles, even if the windows are ‘cracked’ or open, as temperatures inside can quickly rise to life-threatening levels. If you have an elderly or infirm neighbor without air conditioning, make sure that they get to a cooling center or other air conditioned space between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m,”said Gunzenhauser.

“While it is very important that everyone take special care of themselves, it is equally important that we reach out to those who are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of extreme heat, including children, the elderly, and their pets,” said Dr. Gunzenhauser. “Extreme heat such as this is not just an inconvenience, it can be dangerous and even deadly, but we can protect ourselves, our families, and our neighbors if we take steps to remain cool and hydrated.”

For more tips and tricks on how to keep yourself, loved ones and pets safe in the upcoming heat wave, visit here