Urgent warning to dog owners as heavy rain and flooding can make daily walks deadly

An urgent warning has been issued to dog owners as spring rains can make daily walks deadly.

Fast-moving water can pose a danger to people and animals.

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Flooding threatened to knock people off their feet in parts of Utah.

But pets are also at risk.

The Salt Lake City Fire Department told local NBC affiliate KSL that two dogs were swept off-leash at a park.

In a social media post, Salt Lake City’s emergency management said it typically takes 12 inches of water to move a vehicle and just 6 inches to sweep a person off their feet.

Even less for four-legged friends.

But emergency management said that despite a pet owner’s instincts, it is prudent not to pursue the animals if they are swept into the water.

Instead, owners should call 911 immediately and provide as much detail as possible about where and when the pet entered the water.

“Small dogs. medium dogs. Big dogs, if you’re a dog owner, you have a responsibility to take care of your dog,” dog owner Molly Carlisle told KSL.

“Like, they’re your buddy and be careful. Don’t come too close.”

She told the outlet that she often takes her pup, 90-pound Rocky, to the park off-leash.

“Because I got him in October, we haven’t been able to be a whole ton near water yet,” she said.

“If he gets in the river, that would be really scary because there’s almost nothing I can do.”