With record high temperatures in the forecast, we know that we need to keep ourselves hydrated and cool:  drink plenty of water, stay in the shade, and rest often when you have to be outside. But what about man’s best friend? We have to make sure that we are taking proper precautions to protect our pets, too.

Studies show that when it was 80 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car rose to 99 degrees in 10 minutes and 109 degrees in 20 minutes and climbed even higher as time passes, even with the windows cracked. They also show that cracking the windows has very little effect on the internal temperatures of a vehicle. Did you know that a dog’s normal body temperature is between 101 to 102.5 degrees and that they can only withstand a high body temperature for a short time before suffering nerve damage, heart problems, liver damage, brain damage or even death?* This means that locking your pet in the car while you run errands, even for “a minute” could turn into a life or death situation for your furry loved one.

Here are some tips on how to keep your animals safe in this summer:

• Play it safe! Leave your pets cool and refreshed at home.
• Fresh water & shade is extremely important. Heavy panting, rapid pulse, glazed eyes, vomiting and/or deep red or purple tongue can be a sign of heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
• Limit outside exercise to early morning or evening hours when the temperatures aren't so high.
• Crowded summer events and pets do not mix well. The loud noises and crowds combined with the heat can be stressful and dangerous.
• Driving with a dog in the back of a pick-up truck is very dangerous. Flying debris can cause injury to your pet.

If you have questions about pet safety or need to report animal cruelty, call the Animal Resource Center at 898-4457 or visit them online at www.mcohio.org/animalshelter.