CORPUS CHRISTI (Kiii News) -
Although there was no heat advisory on Wednesday, the extreme temperatures we've seen recently have caused some concern for local veterinarians.
Dr. Alan Garrett, with Everhart Animal Hospital says every year, during the summer months, they see a handful of heat exhaustion or heat stroke cases in dogs.
In some cases, the animal recovers, in other cases, even with expensive interventions, the dog doesn't make it. He says, there are a few tips to make sure your outside dog doesn't end up a statistic.
1. Make sure your pet always has shade.
2. Fill up your dog's water bowl with water and ice cubes.
3. Consider going home during your lunch hour to give your dog an air conditioning break.
4. Consider getting your dog a kiddy pool, that you also keep in the shade.
Dr. Garrett says, in all cases, common sense should prevail.
"Imagine if you will, putting on your winter coat, sitting out at the beach, that is what your dog has to endure. Also it's important to know, the only way to cool themselves is ventilating and panting," said Dr. Garrett.
You also need to be careful not to over exercise your dog during the hottest parts of the day. So save those walks for early morning or late evening.
