Keeping Your Pets Safe In The Heat

Friday, August 11th 2006, 10:28 am

By: News On 6

Oklahomaâ€™s heat wave is dangerous for our health, but it can pose an even bigger problem for our pets. Veterinarians say inside animals may be in even more danger than those that stay outside all the time.

New on 6 anchor Terry Hood says veterinarians we talked to say animals who stay outside all the time may be used to the heat and that can keep them safer. Dr. Mike Jones with the Woodland Animal Hospital says pets that usually stay inside, and then they go out for a little while can overheat very quickly because they're just not used to it.

Some breeds of dogs are also more susceptible to the heat. Dr. Jones says any of the breeds with a "flat face", like pugs, have a harder time breathing and staying cool.

He says if you notice your pet changing their behavior after being in the heat or just acting like they don't feel well, it's time to take them to the vet. But anytime your pets have to be outside there are some very important things to remember. "Make sure he has ventilation, make sure that where he is kept ya know the air does blow through, make sure he has plenty of shade and ya know again the most important thing is plenty of water."