Take care of pets as well as people in blistering heat

Thanks to air conditioning, McCook students aren't getting time off from school that they did in years past when temperatures reached the triple digits.

We wrote about keeping people safe in the current heat wave, but with kids back in school and Mom and Dad at work, it's important that other members of the family -- our pets -- are safe until their people return.

If your pet is outside or exposed to the sun, make sure they can get into the shade.

* If they must be outside, provide a dog house, preferable in the shade of trees or on a porch.

* If your pet is crated inside, make sure the sun doesn't shine in the window to make for dangerous conditions.

If your dog is out for a walk, don't let it linger on the hot asphalt or concrete. Being closer to the ground, pets can heat up more quickly and their paw pads can burn.

Keep an eye out for overheating. Symptoms can include:

* Excessive panting or difficulty breathing.

* Increased heart or respiratory rate

* Drooling

* Mild weakeness or stupor

* Collapse

* Seizures

* Vomiting or diarrhea

* Body temperature of over 104º.

Short-nosed breeds such as pugs, bulldogs or boxers are more prone to overheating since they cannot pant effectively. These pets along with the elderly, overweight or those with heart or lung disease should be kept cool in an airconditioned area as much as possible.

If your pet does become overheated, seek treatment. Take measures to bring your dog's body temperatures down as soon as possible.

* Place your pet in a tub of cool water or run cool water over their body with a hose.

* Be sure the water comes in contact with the skin, especially the belly and insides of the legs.

* Run water over the gums and tongue, but do not try to force a disoriented pet to drink.

* Seek veterinary attention as soon as possible, but try to bring the body temperature down first.

Of course, don't leave your pet in a car on a hot day, even with the windows down, or it can quickly suffer heat stroke. Temperatures in a car can rise to more than 30º higher than outside air in less than 10 minutes.

* Studies have shown that cracking the windows offers little cooling effect.

* If you see a car with a pet locked inside, call your local law enforcement agency. You may save a pet's life.

* Check your car. Upon exiting, check to make sure a pet didn't sneak in through an open door or window. By the time you find them, it might be too late