DAYTON, Ohio -- Remember your pets – in 15 minutes of summer sun, the car’s interior can reach temperatures exceeding 120 degrees. The biggest thing we see at this time of year is people leaving their pets in the car. Even if they are gone for just a few minutes, the temperature can begin to rise to 120-130 degrees inside the car, which may result in heat stroke in the animal. Even an outside pet that is better acclimated to extreme weather conditions still needs plenty of fresh cool water and shade.

Often times a dog owner will tie their dog to a dog house, with the assumption the dog will be able to escape the sun inside the dog house. However, many do not realize that heat builds up inside the dog house and can create an unsafe environment for the animal on extremely hot days. Pet owners should also remember that pets can easily burn the pads of their feet on tar and blacktop.

If a pet appears to be overheated, the gentle spray of a cool garden hose may help to cool the animal. Do not use ice water. If an animal is cooled to an abnormally low body temperature, it can be just as critical as a heat stroke and cause hypothermia in the animal.