The Airdrie Fire Department (AFD) responded to three different calls since Friday about animals being left in vehicles during the heatwave.

On Sunday, the Fire Department responded to a call about a small dog left sitting in the car at Chinook Winds Park. While some windows were left slightly open the dog was still in distress.

Airdrie Fire Chief Mike Pirie explained the sun room also being left slightly open helped prevent windows being broken.

“They were able to actually reach through it, unlock a door and take the dog out. Firefighters did try to take the dog around the park and find the owner but were unable to do so. Once Municipal Enforcement arrived, we handed over the dog.”

AFD also responded to two calls, one Friday and one Saturday, but luckily, they were able to find the owner right away or the vehicle was just leaving with the owner when firefighters responded.

According to Pirie, they get these calls every year and it’s really important, with these current temperatures, to not leave your dog in a situation like this.

“Dogs can overheat quickly and go into stress quickly. If you see a dog left in a vehicle on a hot day, give us a call and we will attend to make sure everything will be okay.”

 All AFD front-line trucks carry pet CPR and oxygen kits in case the dog is in severe distress. According to Alberta SPCA, some signs of heatstroke in a dog include:

• Listlessness
• Excessive panting
• Diarrhea and Vomiting
• Restlessness
• Pet appears distressed

Alberta SPCA also highlighted that it’s very important not to leave your pet in a vehicle.

To see some tips from the Alberta SPCA and keeping your pets cool during the heatwave, click HERE.

Calgary Police charged a woman whose dog died after being left in a hot car on Canada Day. According to police on July 1, officers responded to responded to reports of a dog in distress inside a vehicle. It was noted that the windows of the vehicle were up and the doors were locked.

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM

DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverAirdrie app. For breaking news, weather and contest alerts, click here.