How officials are keeping pets safe in the extreme heat

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Although it was just one hot spring day, The summer heat is just around the corner in Central New York.

At the CNY-SPCA, animal cruelty investigators say on average they respond to at least two heat-related calls a day in the summer months.

Just after noon on Monday, the iPhone thermometer read 91 degrees.

CNY-SPCA Animal Cruelty Investigators Scott Bodah and Denise headed out Friday with at least two calls being heat related.

"Worst case scenario is some sort of heat-exhaustion or heat stroke which can be fatal so, that's the risk so I mean basically our job is to check and see if animals are out of the direct sunlight, have an adequate amount of water," Bodah said.

It is not a cool Job either.

"Not wearing a t-shirt and a pair of jeans, you've got a lot of extra equipment on, and it's quite draining," he added.

But, that doesn't stop him.

The first wellness check was in Camillus where they checked on a dog who to their delight, was being kept cool inside.

Next, they went to a home in the city of Syracuse, the result of a passerby calling the SPCA after seeing a dog outside.

"It was their perception that there was a problem and in speaking to her it does not seem like there is a problem," Bodah said.

"Very nice health, the lady who owns the dog says that yes she does leave it out on the porch sometimes, but it's for short periods of time," he added.

Four-month-old pit bull Graham's owner says she would never leave him outside in the heat or the frigid cold. Something the officers are thankful for.

"I feel like if you love your animals like you love your children, then nothing is too hard," Charnell Flowers said.

It is important to remember that the first sign of heat exhaustion could be heavy panting, trouble walking, or standing.

Officers say your dog is exhibiting these symptoms you should pour cold water on them and call your vet.