We are in the hottest part of the Summer here on Delmarva. This week’s forecast is mid to upper 90’s most of the week.  I know that I can’t take extreme heat so I make sure I take the appropriate steps to stay safe and cool! We must do the same for our pets. We’ve spoken about this before but we must always remind ourselves that our pets are even more susceptible to effects of extreme heat than humans. Here are some tips to keep your little friends safe during this extreme heat.

1. Never leave your pets in a parked car NEVER,NEVER,NEVER!! If a car is 85 degrees and you crank the windows open a little, that car will reach 105 degree in less than 10 minutes!
2. Humidity also affects pets. “It’s important to remember that it’s not just the ambient temperature but also the humidity that can affect your pet,” says Dr. Barry Kellogg, VMD, of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association. “Animals pant to evaporate moisture from their lungs, which takes heat away from their body. If the humidity is too high, they are unable to cool themselves, and their temperature will skyrocket to dangerous levels—very quickly.”
3. Limit exercise during hot days. On a very hot day, limit exercise to early morning and evening for a very short period of time,
4. Fans don’t cool off pets as they do people. Pets sweat through their feet so a fan is ineffective in cooling a pet off.
5. Cool your pet off in the shade and always provide fresh water with ice in it.
6. Watch out for hot pavement or sand. Dogs paw pads are tough but they are still sensitive to the heat or cold. Try to keep your dog on the grass or dirt.

Much of this is common sense but we must be aware that our pets can suffer heat stroke just as humans can. Treat them well and they will love you forever!

Remember, your pets count!

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