Heat can be deadly for your pet

A torrid heatwave has shifted into high gear. It broke at least seven June record highs in the Northwest, and weather forecasts indicate that it will extend through early July.

With record temperatures in Central Oregon, it is important to keep your pet in mind when it comes to keeping cool.

Summertime may be the time for walking and playing in the sunshine with Fido, but unfortunately your furry friend has a much harder time keeping cool than you, especially when temperatures are on the rise.

Be mindful of the heat and keep your dog cool to protect him from heat-related illness and injury. Heatstroke in dogs is a potential killer - but it is easy to avoid.

Leaving your pet in a parked car can be a deadly mistake. The temperature inside a car can reach 120 degrees in a few minutes. Even partially open windows won't protect your furry friend from heatstroke! (See temperature chart on page 32.)

PARKED CARS ARE DEATHTRAPS FOR DOGS.

While people can identify signs of exhaustion or stress, it can be harder to determine when pets are distressed. According to Oregon Humane Society, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, drooling, vomiting and an internal temperature of 104 degrees are all signs of heat stress.

Karen Burns, shelter manager for the Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO), warns people to keep their pets safe from the dangers of warm temperatures. According to Burns, every year HSCO hears about dogs needlessly suffering from heat stroke, and the City of Bend Animal Control receives four to eight calls per day regarding dogs left in hot cars during the summer months.

Heatstroke or exhaustion can occur very quickly for your pooch as he only has the ability to sweat through the pads of his feet. And the way Fido expels heat is through panting.

Remember that your furry friend doesn't realize that he will overheat while playing fetch in the park on a hot day, he won't know when he is overheated until it is too late. It's up to you as a responsible pet parent to watch for heat stress and dehydration in your dog, know when it's time to take a break, to give him a drink, and to rest in the shade for a while.

The best time to exercise your furry friend in the summer heat is early in the morning or later in the evening. Since these are the cooler parts of the day, this will make the walk more comfortable for both you and Fido.

Remember to keep your pooch hydrated.

Different dogs have different needs when battling the heat. Keep in mind that dogs with darker coats absorb more heat than lighter coats. Also overweight dogs, very young or older dogs are at a higher risk for dehydration. Carry a bottle of water when going on a walk with your furry friend.

Get creative and find innovative ways to cool Fido down. Find a spot in the shade and set up a kiddie pool. Lay down a wet towel for your dog to lie on or bring him to Fir Street Park in Sisters and let him run through the sprinklers.

Did you know that dogs cool from the bottom up? So make sure to spray the paws and stomach, not just the top of Fido. That's why a wet towel does more good on the bottom of your dog than when laid on top of him.

If you walk your furry friend on the roadside you might need doggie boots. Heat rises from the ground, so if you can't walk barefoot on the streets, neither can your dog. If your dog's foot pads feel warm to the touch, cool them down with some water and stay off the hot pavement. (See asphalt temperature chart on page 32.) You can find dog boots at your local pet store.

Many people in Central Oregon don't have air-conditioning. With extreme temperatures this summer you will have to watch for signs of heatstroke indoors, also. To keep your furry friend from overheating indoors, try a cooling body wrap vest or mat, such as Keep Cool Mat. You can also give Fido doggie popsicles using peanut butter, berries or watermelon.