Vets urge pet owners to be watchful during triple digit weather

FRESNO, CA -- A reminder that in these hot temperatures that it's important to keep your pet's health in mind. Many dogs and cats are at risk of heat stroke and even death when temperatures reach the triple digits.

Like many hyperactive puppies, a pup named Daisy needs a daily workout.

"I usually come in the morning and there's a group of maybe about 10 different people with their dogs that we see on a regular basis and then the dogs get to know each other," said owner Nancy Youdelman.

But in the summertime, it's important for her to stay active and cool. Daisy gets to do both thanks to the James W. Thornton dog park in East Central Fresno.

"We have our 2,000-gallon wading pool which is kind of like the figurative hot spot, a literally hot spot during the summer for our canine members," said Nina Tonnu with the Valley Animal Center.

If getting to the doggy pool isn't an option, veterinarian Dr. Kelly Weaver of Pet ER urges pet parents to plan ahead.

"If you can keep them inside they're going to be in a lot better shape," she said. "If you can't do that, you need to look at things like kiddie pools, lots of fresh water and making shade for them if they don't have it."

And for the smushed-faced breeds -- like bulldogs, pugs, and Boston terriers -- even moderate heat can be lethal.

"They are really susceptible to heat," Dr. Weaver said. "They will heat stroke and die at about 85 (degrees). It doesn't have to get up to over 100 (degrees)."

Over the summer, Dr. Weaver said they see tons of cats and dogs suffering from heat stroke. Pets also come in with burned and blistering paws.

"The rule of thumb is if you can't walk around on it barefoot then don't have your pet on it," Weaver said. "If their tongue is twice as long as usual and has a big old paddle effect at the end that's a really good sign that they're overheated. Any kind of vomiting, diarrhea (is also a sign)."

And most importantly, pets can't handle the heat of the day. So, if you're playing with them in the sun make sure it's in the early morning or late evening.