Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Dr. Bret Peterson, owner and veterinarian at Laketown Animal Hospital talks with Joey McLaughlin on the WTAX Morning NewsWatch about keeping your pet safe in all this heat.

The rule of thumb is: If it’s too hot for you it’s too hot for your pet.

Whether they are big or small, your pets are very susceptible to the extremely hot temperatures outside. Heavy breathing, dark red gums, and in severe cases vomiting or diarrhea are signs that your pet is having a heat stroke.

If you believe your pet is having a heat stroke, get their paws and fur wet and take them to the vet immediately.

You can avoid your pets having a heat stroke by keeping them inside as much as possible. If your pet is an outdoor pet, bring them inside as often as you can as well, but at the very least make sure they have a shaded area to rest and plenty of water.

Dr. Peterson also confirms the hot pavement can burn your pet’s paw pads, so walking them in the evening, in the grass, or if possible putting boots on them, are all ways you can avoid their paws getting burnt.

Listen to the full podcast here. 

 

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