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"It's too hot for us," Nancy Peterson, who is with the Humane Society of the United States, told AOL News. "Imagine what a pet feels like with a fur coat on."
Seth Wenig, AP
Betsy Robinson lets her dog Maya drink from a fountain as they walk through New York's Central Park.
Like infants and the elderly, experts say, dogs, cats, birds and gerbils all require special care during the sort of intense heat predicted in the East and Midwest this week.
Some suggestions:
- When taking a drive, leave Fido and friends at home during the steamy summer months. Though many dogs love to feel the open air on their coats during a spin with their owners, running errands with your pets is dangerous in high temperatures. "The biggest thing is -- don't leave them in the car," Levittown, N.Y., veterinarian Dr. Dennis Leon told AOL News. "Even when the windows are down and even if it's only 75 to 80 degrees, they can bake in the car."
- Use discretion when allowing your pet to take a dip in the pool. "I don't know that many cats that would enjoy being in the pool," said Peterson, the Humane Society's cat programs manager. "I think the best thing would be that they're in an air-conditioned room and in familiar surroundings." For dogs fond of swimming, be sure they know how to get out of the pool using steps, she said. And like kids, never leave pets unattended, and rinse them with fresh water after a pool party.
- Allow dogs to "sit" and "lay down" during heat waves. To avoid heat stroke, Leon advises owners to keep walks and outdoor exercise to a minimum on steamy days. "Pets don't have the common sense that humans do to take it easier when it's hotter out," Leon said. "They can't predict how they're going to feel when they run for 10 minutes in the sun. We have to think for them." Exercise pets during early morning or evening hours when temperatures are coolest -- and look for shady spots.
- Be in the know when it comes to heat stroke. The Humane Society tells owners to be on the lookout for heavy panting, glazed eyes, lethargy, fever, vomiting and other symptoms of heat stroke, like a dark red or purple tongue. "Heat stroke can cause organ damage or even death," Peterson warned. Rush your pet to a vet if he shows signs of heat stroke.
Beat the Heat:
Five Ways to Beat the Heat
Keep Pets From Overheating
How to Prevent a Blackout
Self Diagnose Heat Stroke
