Keeping pets safe in severe heat

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) With temperatures expected to get into the triple digits on Thursday, the Allen County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( SPCA) is reminding everyone that we may need to take extra precautions for pets as well as ourselves. Pets can suffer from dehydration and heat stroke as well.

The Allen County SPCA released the following tips for ensuring the safety of pets during the heat:

• Please keep pets indoors in air conditioning or in cool area.
   
• Keep extra water bowls out for pets and add ice cubes to hydrate throughout the day.
   
• Suspend walks with your pets. If you must walk pets on leash for purposes of them relieving themselves, avoid hot pavement as their pads on their feet can be burned.
   
• Limit outside time to just enough to relieve themselves. Suspend extra playtime.
   
• Symptoms of overheating include excessive panting, drooling, mild weakness, increased heart rate, bloody diarrhea and vomit. If you see these symptoms contact your veterinarian immediately.
   
• Pets like Pugs and Persian cats are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively due to their flat face.
   
• Elderly pets, pets that are overweight and any with heart or lung disease are also more vulnerable and should be kept in cool air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
   
• NEVER leave animals parked in a vehicle.
   
• Leave your pets at home if you are going to watch fireworks. They cause stress and can also damage their hearing.