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With a heat dome expected to send temperatures soaring in North Carolina this weekend through next week, pet owners need to be on alert due to the dangers that heat poses to companion animals.

It’s illegal to leave a dog outside without access to shelter, shade, and potable water. Last year, hundreds of dogs and cats reportedly died from heat-related causes — and the actual figure is likely far higher, as most deaths go unreported.

If you’re hot, dogs and cats — who can’t sweat as humans do — are even hotter.

PETA urges people to be on the lookout for animals who need assistance, including those who may be experiencing heatstroke symptoms, and advises everyone to do the following:

Walk dogs during cooler parts of the day and limit their time outside in the heat. Before walks, touch the pavement to ensure it won’t burn dogs’ foot pads. In hot weather, walk only in the shade or on earth or grass.

Never leave animals outdoors in extreme heat or inside vehicles at any time.

If you see a dog showing signs of heatstroke — including heavy panting, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty walking, seizures, and collapse – ensure that the animal is moved into the shade or an air-conditioned space, offer them water, and wet them down with room-temperature (not cold) water. If their guardian isn’t around, call local authorities immediately.

If keeping dogs chained outside isn’t illegal in your community, urge your local officials to outlaw it. Contact PETA to learn how.