Save Your Pets' Lives By Keeping Them Cool This Summer

This summer is already looking like a hot one, and the 90-degree weather can affect pets as well as humans, pets even more so because their bodies are closer to the ground.

Christine Lee, a veterinarian at said for the most part, people seem to be aware of the problem and take care of their pets, but she has seen cases of overheating - and they have led to death.

"When a dog comes in with a temperature of 107 or 108 degrees, they mostly die," Lee said. "If you've seen that ad campaign 'This is your brain, this is your brain on drugs,' it's essentially just like that. They're cooked."

Lee also said the heat worse for dogs with flat faces, such as pugs and bulldogs, because with smaller airways, trachea and small nostrils, it is harder for them to pant to cool themselves.

Tips for keeping your pets cool:

• Heat stroke can happen in as little as 10 minutes
• Avoid vigorous exercise and walking
• Do not leave your pets in your car
• Keep fresh cool water available at all times  
• Keep your dog in a shaded area
• Provide a "kiddy" pool for your dogs to cool off in

Signs of heat stroke in pets:

• Increased temperature and heart rate
• Vigorous panting, thick saliva
• Dark red gums
• Lying down and unwilling or unable to get up
• Collapse and/or loss of consciousness
• Dizziness or disorientation 

If a pet has any one of these symptoms, owners should contact their veterinarian immediately.

Pet owners should absolutely avoid leaving pets inside locked vehicles during the warmer months.

Car Temperatures

The above information was provided in a press release from the Michigan Animal Adoption Network and mydogiscool.com.