With heat warnings in effect this week, it's a good reminder to be cautious with your pets.

Just like humans, dogs and other animals have a hard time under the high heat as well, and owners need to pay attention to signs of heat distress and minimize the chances of that happening.

Heaven Can Wait founder, Kim Hessel. says "Don't let your pets stay outside in the hot sun for very long. Let them have a pee and come back in. Make sure they have lots of water."

If you do go for a walk with your dog, keep the walks short and be mindful of the environment. If you're walking on asphalt for example, check how hot that ground is. If you would find it uncomfortable to walk barefoot, chances are that your dog finds it uncomfortable as well.

Hessel says, "When a dog goes into heat distress, you're going to see laboured breathing and possibly the inability to stand, and you need to get that dog cooled down quick."

Think of them just as you would yourself. If it's too hot outside, wait for the evening to go for a walk or do so early in the morning.

 

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