(WBNG) — It may not be the dog days of summer yet, but for our canine companions, it sure feels like it.
Veterinarian and owner of Johnson City Veterinary Hospital Stephen Holonowski said your dog is fighting the heat more than you.
”Pets overheat a lot faster than we do,” Holonowski explained. “They have got the nice fur coat, they don’t sweat like us and so it’s very easy for them to get overheated.”
Holowinski said some signs to look out for include: Your pet acting lethargic, not eating or drinking and activities declining are all clear signs your dog is too hot.
”Humidity is terrible for pets because they lose a lot of their heat from panting and just like a person if you can’t get rid of that heat then you build up your temperature,” Holonowski said.
Holowniski explained when temperatures are in the 80s and the 90s, black-top gets too hot for dogs’ paws and can cause them to burn.
The Manager of the Broome County Dog Shelter Kelly Conlon and Holowinski both agree if you have any outdoor pets, make them indoor pets for the week as it is not recommended for dogs to be outside for more than five to 10 minutes in this weather.
“The beating down of the sun is where it is the hottest and these dogs and us are feeling it big time,” Conlon said. “We’ve been keeping them out for five minutes at a time and then they want to come back in.”
Aside from giving constant access to water, both Conlon and Holowinski recommend giving dogs ice cubes or making dog-friendly popsicles to give them a refreshing treat to beat the heat.
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