What to know to keep your pets safe during extreme heat
Dogs don't have the ability to sweat to help regulate their body temperature, according to veterinarians.
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Animal experts are reminding owners to take extra steps to keep pets safe as the Hudson Valley experiences more extreme heat this week.
Dogs don't have the ability to sweat to help regulate their body temperature, according to veterinarians. So, when you see them pant excessively, they're trying to blow off body heat.
That can sometimes be a red flag- as well as vomiting, shaking, lethargy, and fainting for heat stroke. Symptoms can occur within a matter of minutes, and dogs can die quickly if action isn't taken right away.
Lisa Bonanno, director of development for SPCA Westchester says, "In this type of heat they really need to stay indoors, stay hydrated and just have very short walks outside, and if you must bring them in the car always have the air conditioning on."
Animal experts say it's best to take pups out for exercise in the mornings and evenings and keep them off the pavement. Hot sidewalks and streets can cause up to third-degree burns on their paws.
