Protecting people and pets this summer

By Anthony Collins

LPR Editor                          

    Above- Jackson spends time outside, but is limited during the hottest time of the day. Photo by Anthony Collins

The long, golden days of summer invite us outside for ballgames, rodeos, barbecues, and long walks with our pets. But when the mercury rises, those same sunny days can also bring a hidden danger: heat-related illness. Doctors and veterinarians alike are urging the community to learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, two conditions that can quickly become life-threatening for both humans and animals.

     For people, heat exhaustion often comes first. It is the body’s cry for help after losing too much water and salt through heavy sweating. Someone suffering may complain of dizziness, nausea, or pounding headaches. Their skin often feels cool and damp, even as they look pale and weak. Left unchecked, this exhaustion can tip into something far worse.

     Heat stroke, the most severe heat illness, happens when the body can no longer cool itself and its temperature soars above 104 degrees. At that point, confusion sets in, speech becomes slurred, and collapse or seizures can follow. Emergency services stress that heat stroke is a 911 situation. Quick cooling can save a life, but without immediate help, the condition can be fatal.

     Pets are equally at risk, perhaps even more so. Unlike people, dogs and cats can’t sweat efficiently. Their only cooling system is panting, and when the air itself is stiflingly hot, panting alone isn’t enough. Local veterinarians say they see too many cases each summer of pets arriving at clinics weak, staggering, or vomiting after spending too much time in the sun.

One clear warning sign is a dog’s gums or tongue turning bright red. In advanced cases, pets may collapse or suffer seizures, just like humans with heat stroke. Quick action is essential: moving them into shade or air conditioning, dampening their fur with cool water, and seeking veterinary care right away.

   The simplest way to prevent tragedy is also the most important: never leave a child or an animal in a parked car. On a hot day, the temperature inside can soar to deadly levels in minutes, even with the windows cracked. Authorities remind everyone that cracking a window offers no real protection.

     For people, staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day are key. For pets, it’s a matter of providing shade, plenty of water, and cooler walks early morning or after the sun dips down. Asphalt, too, is a hazard; if the pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for a dog’s paws.

     Summer in our town is a time of outdoor sports, and family gatherings, but it’s also a time when vigilance is required. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke don’t discriminate. They affect the young and old, the healthy and frail, people and pets alike. By recognizing the signs and acting quickly, neighbors can protect one another and their animals from tragedy.