As a dangerous heat wave hits the Tri-State, here's some tips to keep your pets cool, and what to do if you see a pet in need.

Melissa/103GBF
Melissa/103GBF
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According to the Evansville/Vanderburgh County Emergency Management Agency an dangerous  heat wave is hitting the Tri-State from Thursday through Sunday. They say heat indexes will be from 105-110 degrees.   So make sure to take care of yourself, stay hydrated, and take breaks from the heat when possible.

It's also important to remember pets can suffer heat stroke just as easily as humans can. So remember these tips, and if you see a dog left outside with no shade and no access to fresh water, call your local Animal Control.

For one, if at all possible bring your pets inside. They are susceptible to over heating just as humans are.

Here's a few tips from the ASPCA on how to keep your pets cool

  • Make sure there is plenty of fresh cool water, and they always have access to it.
  • Know the symptoms of overheating in pets (read them here).
  • Pets with flat faces (pugs, bulldogs, persian cats etc...) cannot pant to cool quite like other breeds, so make sure they are in the AC.
  • Make sure elderly pets, overweight pets, or pets with heart or  lung diseases also stay in the AC, they cannot cool themselves as well as others, so they are also more susceptible to overheating.
  • NEVER leave animals alone in parked vehicle.  Not only can it lead to heat stroke (yes even with the windows cracked), it is illegal in many states.
  • Just as with children, don't leave pets alone around pools.
  • Beware of asphalt, and don't let dogs linger on it, it can get really hot and burn the pads of their feet. Be sure to test it with the back of your hand, and don't let them stay on it for long periods of time. Their sensitive pads can burn, and with them being lower to the ground than us, they heat up much faster.
  • (source)

And remember to contact Animal Control if you see anyone leave their pets outside in this heat with no access to shade, and fresh water.

 

 

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