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Lueth: Take care of pets in hot weather

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You meant to be kind by taking your dog with you today, but you could be risking his life. If you love your pet, leave him home. On a hot summer day the inside of a car heats very quickly. On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside your car, with windows slightly opened, will reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes. A 105-degree day has produced a 215-degree temperature inside a parked car. A dog’s normal body temperature is 101.5 degrees to 102.2 degrees. fahrenheit. A dog can withstand a body temperature of 107-108 degrees fahrenheit for only a short period of time before suffering irreparable brain damage — or even death. The closed car interferes with the dog’s normal cooling process — that is, evaporation through panting. If your dog is overcome by heat exhaustion, you can give immediate first aid by cooling him with cold water. Then have a veterinarian check your pet.

Barb Lueth Sun City