Many experts predict parts of the country will see warmer than usual weather over the next few months and proof of that may be the prolonged heat wave out west. Extreme heat is dangerous for us, as well as for your family pets. The American Red Cross has steps to take to help ensure your pet stays safe this summer:

• Never leave your pet in a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees even with the windows cracked open.
• Limit exercise on hot days. Exercise in the early morning or evening hours.
• Walk your pet in the grass if possible, to avoid hot surfaces burning their paws.
• If your pet is outside, make sure they have access to shade and plenty of cool water.
• Water safety is important for your furry friends. Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool—they aren’t all good swimmers
• Watch your pets at a backyard barbecue. Keep them away from the grill and know that some food can be poisonous to them. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with artificial sweeteners.
• Heat stroke is a common problem for pets in the warmer weather. Dogs with short noses or snouts, like the boxer or bulldog, are especially prone to heat stroke, along with overweight pets, those with extremely thick fur coat or any pet with upper respiratory problems such as laryngeal paralysis or collapsing trachea. Some of the signs of heat stroke in your pet are:
  • Heavy panting and unable to calm down, even when lying down
  • Brick red gum color
  • Fast pulse rate
  • Unable to get up

Read more about summer pet safety at Red Cross.org