By RYAN SKAITH
St. Joseph Post
The dog days of summer are here.
With temperatures back in the 90s for the first part of the week, local group Friends of the Animal Shelter, has some tips to help keep your pets safe.
Kathy Ermler, with Friends of the Animal Shelter, recommends watching for symptoms of heat ailment, especially in dogs. "If you notice your dog is heavy panting and restless, if they have 'brick red' gums or a very fast pulse rate, those are cues to watch out for," says Ermler.
Ermler notes other signs to watch for are drooling, diarrhea, and nausea.
If your pet is experiencing symptoms due to heat ailments, such as heat stroke, you can sprinkle them with water or wrap wet towels around them to help cool off.
Ermler says, "The breed of dogs and cats is also dependent on how quickly they may suffer heat stroke." For example, pug nose dogs have more difficulty handling high temperatures.
Ermler notes that cat breeds, such as Persians or Himalayans, are more prone to heat ailments than other breeds.
Ermler adds, "The best way to treat outdoor animals for heat stroke is to get them into a shady area and call the vet."
Temperatures in Northwest Missouri are expected to be in the 90s through Thursday. The forecast calls for cooler weather and a chance of rain towards the end of the week.