With temperatures nearing 100 degrees and extreme heat continuing throughout the week, dog owners are being reminded to guard against the dangers of heat-related injuries, or even worse.
It’s important to remember that dogs are just like humans, they’re vulnerable to injuries and illnesses related to the hot weather.
"The thing to remember about dogs, they have a hard time breathing, they don’t sweat like we do," said Kate Fields, The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City.
On hot days, it’s best to avoid the hours of peak heat, that’s between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
"Bring your dogs inside," said Fields. "It’s always smarter that way, if you’ve got air conditioning, even better, but dogs need to be cooled down just like humans but they have a harder time doing it."
Those hours can put animals at a higher risk of heat stroke, suffering a variety of symptoms.
"Heavy, heavy panting, dogs cool off through panting but if they’re over panting if they’re having trouble breathing if they look a little disoriented if their eyes are glazed over," said Fields.
If your pet is experiencing any of those symptoms, there are a few simple things you can do immediately to help.
"Ice packs to the back of the neck, to the head, cool water, not cold water over their body will help," said Fields.
It’s not only the heat and humidity in the air, but the temperature of the ground can be another danger to our pets.
"The pavement, it’s so hot, it will burn their feet," said Fields.
You can test the heat of the ground by laying the back of your hand against the surface for at least 5 seconds.
"She tends to walk on the pavement a lot so I always try to be like Fergie, come on let's go in the grass, so we try to keep her on the grass as much as we can," said Michelle Augustin, Dog Owner.
Cars are another dangerous environment to be aware of. The Humane Society of Missouri says their motto is, "70 degrees and over, don’t take Rover.”
"If it’s 75 degrees outside, a car can heat up to 116 degrees in an hour," said Fields.
The best way to keep your pets safe this summer is to keep a watchful eye.
"I mean always be attentive to them, I mean making sure you’re watching what they’re doing when you’re outside with them, watching what they like and what they don’t like," said Augustin.
One last seemingly obvious but commonly forgotten rule, keep your pets' water bowls topped off. Fields says your dogs will enjoy it even more if you throw a few ice cubes in there.
It is also required by lawthat pet owners provide their animals with adequate food, water, shelter and care.
