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EDITORIAL: A hot weekend for pets as well as people

Posted 6/25/22

Forecasters say this weekend will be a hot one, and high temperatures are dangerous not only for people who are at risk of sunstroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion and heatstroke

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EDITORIAL: A hot weekend for pets as well as people

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Forecasters say this weekend will be a hot one, and high temperatures are dangerous not only for people who are at risk of sunstroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion and heatstroke, but animals as well.

How hot is too hot for dogs varies by size and breed, but if the temperature is uncomfortable for people, then the same goes for dogs. You should take extra caution when bringing your dog outside when the temperature rises above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, especially if you’re walking your dog on pavement. And of course, never tie a dog up outside when it’s more than 80 degrees.

The Humane Society says never leave a pet in a parked car, “not even for a minute, not even with the car running and the air conditioner on. On an 85-degree day the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees.”

Although cats tend to tolerate the heat a little better than dogs — after all, they are famous for seeking sunny spots for sunbaths — cats can also suffer from overheating and can develop heatstroke.

As we move through the summer, there will be other occasions when it gets very hot, making it important to understand the dangers for you and your family, pets included. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 700 heat- related deaths every year in the U.S.

Derek Eisentrout, a National Weather Service meteorologist, says that on hot days, folks should limit their time outdoors to early morning or evening to avoid peak heat, drink plenty of water, wear light clothing and use sunscreen. It’s also important to make sure you’re not leaving a child unattended in the back seat of a vehicle.

“I would further mention that a lot of times people don’t realize that temperature is measured in the shade, not measured in the sun,” Eisentrout said. “So if you’re out on the lake on a boat without a cover on it, your temperatures in the sun could be a good 10-15 degrees above” the reported temperature.

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