The Mae Bachur Animal Shelter is reminding pet owners to take special care of their furry friends in the spring and summer heat.

The advice comes after a dog died last Saturday after its owner left ittied up in the hot sun on Main Street.

Senior Bylaw Const. Scott Sabourin of the City of Whitehorse said today the cause of the dog's death is under investigation.

"It's alleged that (the dog) was without food or water and severely dehydrated,” he said.

"We still don't know if (the death) was caused by the heat and dehydration or if it was caused by a virus like Parvo.”

The dog, which appeared to be about eight weeks old, was found by a member of the public and rushed to the All Paws veterinary clinic but expired on the way.

Bylaw Services and the Humane Society Yukon are working together to find the dog's owners and determine what happened.

Leaving an animal unattended is an offence under the city's bylaws.

"You can't leave your dog on the street,” said Sabourin. "Basically, when people tie their dogs up and go into a store, the dogs are at large because they're not under the care of the owner.”

The fine for leaving an animal unattended is $75 for the first offence and rises for subsequent offences.

Failing to provide an animal with fresh drinking water or suitable food is also an offence under the city's animal control bylaw.

"We'd like to remind all animal owners that they need to provide adequate water and shade no matter where they are in hot conditions,” said Sabourin.

Marjie Klein, the shelter's administrator, agrees.

"Beating the heat is hard for your dog because they don't have the sweat glands that we have, and the only way to rid their bodies of excess heat is to pant, which is not the most effective way to cool off,” she explained Tuesday.

"Remember: They're already wearing a winter coat.”

Every year, hundreds of dogs die after being left in hot vehicles, Klein said.

"You should never take your dog around with you when you're doing errands in the warm summer months, even if the temperature feels comfortable,” she said.

"The problem is that the car acts like a greenhouse, allowing heat to build up inside, even with partially open windows. No matter how open the window is, the vehicle can quickly reach over 38 degrees Celsius.”

Dogs can only tolerate high temperatures for a very short time, said Klein, adding that they can suffer irreparable brain damage or even death within 10 minutes.

The city's Animal Control Bylaw also has a fine for "inadequate ventilation of a confined animal,” an offence carrying a $200 fine.

Just because your animal is on the sidewalk instead of the vehicle doesn't mean it's safe, said Klein.

"Leaving them in the sun outside is probably just as bad as leaving them in your car,” she said. "Of course, the temperature is what it is outside, but in downtown Whitehorse, it can be plus-30 on the pavement, no problem.

"You want to take care to put them in the shade, somewhere grassy that will keep them cool. And make sure they have water, even in the shade.”