Heat Wave Ushers in Summer: Tips for People and Pets to Stay Safe

Summer is heading tow town with full force. The National Weather Service is predicting temperatures of up to 95 degrees Monday and Tuesday in La Grange. That is just the temperature. The heat index will feel closer to 100 degrees.

Temperatures through Wednesday are predicted to be in the 90s, according to the National Weather Service forecast.

Staying inside is one way to keep cool. Here are some tips to keep from overheating and keeping your pets healthy and happy too.

Staying safe in the heat

"Heat exhaustion can result when too much time is spent in a very warm environment, resulting in excessive sweating without adequate fluid and electrolyte replacement," a press release from the Cook County Department of Public Health states.

Health department officials are warning that people should limit outdoor physical activity in coming days.

The Cook County Department of Public Health has issued several tips to follow during the heat wave:

• Drink 1 to 1–1/2 quarts of fluid daily to prevent dehydration. Water, fruit juices and juice drinks are the best choices. Avoid alcohol and caffeine because they dehydrate the body.
• Avoid salt tablets and highly salted foods.
• Plan activities for the coolest part of the day – before noon or in the evening.
• Wear light colored, lightweight clothing. If you must go outside during the hottest part of the day, wear a hat.
• Use a sun screen with a sun protection factor (SPF) greater than  15 to protect yourself from sunburn.
• While outdoors, rest frequently in a shady area.
• Check frequently on ill family members, the elderly and neighbors.
• Never leave children, the elderly or pets in a parked car, not even for a few minutes. Brain damage or death can occur from  the rapid rise of temperature inside the vehicle.

Pet safety 

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) emphasizes that pets should never be left in parked vehicles on hot days. The temperature inside a car can rise to 120 degrees within a matter of minutes. Pets can suffer irreversible organ damage and death.

Whenever pets are outside they require shade and cool water. Protection from the heat is a must, according to the Humane Society. A dog house does not provide relief from the heat.

The Humane Society recommends limiting exercise on very hot days to early morning or evening hours. Owners should be particularly careful with pets with white-colored ears, that are more susceptible to skin cancer, and short-nosed pets that may have difficulty breathing.

Walking dogs on grass is also suggested, since asphalt can become very hot and can burn a dog’s paws.

Know the signs of heat stroke in your pet:

• Heavy panting
• Glazed eyes
• A rapid heartbeat
• Restlessness
• Excessive thirst
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Dizziness, lack of coordination
• Profuse salivation
• Vomiting
• A deep red or purple tongue
• Unconsciousness

In cases of heat stroke:

• Move the animal into the shade or an air-conditioned area.
• Apply ice packs or cold towels to her head, neck and chest or run cool (not cold) water over the pet.
• Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
• Take your pet directly to a veterinarian.

Source: Humane Society of the United States

How do you plan to keep cool? Tell us in comments.