Keep Your Pets Safe from the Extreme Heat

With temperatures hovering at or above the 100-degree mark lately, it's important to take precautions not only for yourself, but your pets, as well.

Local veterinarian Virginia Brookings told me the biggest concern is about dogs, since they need to go out more often.

"Most dogs can handle the heat if their acclimated to it, number one," Dr. Brookings said. "Number two, they must have shade. They also need to have some air flow, and they have to have a constant access to water. If they run out of water, then they lose the ability to cool themselves off."

Dr. Brookings said there are certain breeds of dogs that can't handle the heat as well as others.

"The really short-faced dogs, like Pugs, Bulldogs and Shih Tzus, cannot cool themselves properly because their faces are so smooshed, and their noses are so smooshed," she said. "They cannot handle this sort of heat. Do not leave those really short-faced dogs outside in this heat during the day."

If your dog is stumbling, or not able to walk, get your animal inside and cool it off, then call your vet clinic. Dr. Brookings said pets can suffer heat stroke just like people do. "If they're passed out, they've had a heat stroke, and it's an emergency," she said. "Even if you get them cooled off and get them back, get them conscious again, you still have to take them in to your veterinarian, because you've got some damage there that only your veterinarian can treat."

And Dr. Brookings said never EVER leave your furry friend in the car alone.

"Don't take your pets with you if you're going to the store, going to visit a friend. Don't leave your pet out in the car, even with the windows completely down. That car is gonna be an oven," she said. "Leave them at home, please."