Owners, experts offer tips for keeping your pets safe during extreme heat

In extreme temperatures, it’s important to consider your pets as well.

Experts say pets may not necessarily tell you when they’ve had enough, so you have to look out for the warning signs yourself.

It’s said that the best thing you can do for your dog is keep them away from the extreme heat. So if you must take them out, do it early in the morning.

Dexter isn’t conserving his energy in the heat and now he’s paying for it.

“Got to give him some water, keep him hydrated. We have a fan just for him and air conditioning obviously,” says Dexter’s owner, Eva Standish.

Dakota is a little husky and with all that hair you’d think he’d hate the heat, but he doesn’t.

“He likes summer as well. He’ll lay in the sun for hours. He doesn’t mind it at all,” says Dakota’s owner, Cindy Elson.

His owner just makes sure it’s in moderation and gives him plenty of water.

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“Lots of water and let him lay in the shade. We have a fountain over here so we can fill up water bottles, sprinkle some on them if we want,” says Elson.

Four year old corgi Leroy tends to stick to the shade at the Hill Street Dog Park and he rolls in the dirt.

“I just make sure he always has access to water and when I take him home I put him in the tub and put cold water on his paws and under belly,” says Caitlyn Chiomey, Leroy’s owner.

Hippo is up for adoption at the Hamilton – Burlington SPCA. He’s content chilling in the shade with his toy.

Karen Reichheld says if you do take your dog out in the heat, look out for excessive drooling or panting, vomiting and diarrhea.

“I think just putting thought into daily activity. If they’re going to exercise, do it in the coolest part of the day. Early morning before the heat starts too much,” says Reitchheld.

Remember, if you can’t keep the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds, then it’s too hot for your dog’s feet as well.

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