Heat safety for pets [Video]

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – As extreme heat impacts 100 million Americans, animals can also be at risk of heat exhaustion and heat strokes.

According to Iowa Veterinary Specialties, in hot temperatures, some dogs can develop heatstroke in only 30 minutes; but there are symptoms you can watch for.

Dr. Marty Weber from Cedar Rapids Animal Hospital says, “Panting and unable to catch their breath would be the number one thing you would see with heatstroke. You can take a temperature and usually that’s done with a rectal thermometer. Typically, most human thermometers are acceptable to use for those situations.”

Hot pavement or sand can quickly burn and damage a pet’s paw pads and could lead to thermal burns.

Dr. Weber says if you notice your pet may be overheating, you need to cool them down.

”Offer fresh water, start cooling them down but not aggressively. Room temperature water, a …