8 ways to keep your pets safe from heat this summer

 Click the play button on the video window to the see the story

Triple-digit temps are here and pets are just as affected by the weather as people.  

To keep your animals healthy and safe this Summer,  Friends of Animal Care & Control urge pet owners to take special precautions:

Bring pets indoors
If possible, keep Fido and Fluffy inside. Just like people, pets prefer being out of the sun and inside an air-conditioned environment.

Limit your pets exercise
Walk your dog early in the morning, or later in the evening after the sun has set. And don’t forget that pavement stays warm even after sundown; if the sidewalk is too hot for your bare feet; chances are it's too hot for your pooch!

Never leave your pet in a parked car
The temperature inside a vehicle can skyrocket in just a few minutes. On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly, can reach 102 degrees within ten minutes.

Keep pets out of the sun
Hairless breeds and dogs with very light, short hair are susceptible to sunburn. Be sure to provide your pooch with plenty of shade!

Provide plenty of water
Be sure your dog has lots of fresh, cool water. Keep several weighted, non-metal bowls throughout your home and yard to ensure that Fido always has an unlimited supply.

Recognize the signs of heatstroke
Just like people, pets can over-exert themselves and the results can be fatal. Heavy panting, glazed eyes, lethargy, rapid heartbeat, excessive thirst, fever, staggering and fatigue are all signs of heatstroke. If your animal exhibits any of these symptoms, move him into a shady or air-conditioned area; apply cool towels to his head, neck and chest; and let him drink small amounts of cool water or ice cubes. Contact your veterinarian immediately!

Beware of “special needs” pets
Snub-nosed dogs such as pugs, Boston terriers and bulldogs may have difficulty with the heat due to their shortened snouts. Older and overweight dogs may tend to be more susceptible to heat and heatstroke.

Watch pets around water
Many dogs love the water. But be sure your pet knows how to exit the swimming pool. A quick swim could be fatal if Fido doesn’t know how to find the steps to get out of the pool.