The Allen County SPCA announced pet owners should take these precautions for their pets in extreme heat.
*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 the 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.
