CENTRE — With temperatures continuing to climb across Cherokee County, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to take extra precautions to protect their pets from the dangers of summer heat.

In a recent public safety message, the Sheriff’s Office emphasized that hot weather can be just as hazardous for pets as it is for people and encouraged pet owners to remain vigilant during periods of extreme heat.

Among the recommendations, officials urge residents to ensure pets have access to adequate shade, shelter, and a constant supply of fresh drinking water. Pet owners are also encouraged to monitor animals for signs of heat exhaustion, which can quickly become a serious medical emergency if left untreated.

The Sheriff’s Office noted that hot pavement can cause burns to animals’ paws and advised owners to limit exposure to heated surfaces during the hottest parts of the day.

Officials also warned pet owners to keep animals away from standing water, which may contain harmful bacteria or other hazards, and to use caution when applying weed killers, insecticides, and other chemicals around pets.

Perhaps the most important reminder from law enforcement is never to leave a pet unattended inside a parked vehicle. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly, even on moderately warm days, creating life-threatening conditions within minutes.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to remember that if conditions feel too hot for people, they are likely too hot for pets as well, and to take the necessary steps to keep their animals safe and comfortable throughout the summer months.