Keeping pets cool during hot weather

WEST OCEAN CITY, Md. – While you’re trying to stay cool in this hot weather, so are your four-legged friends.

Remember the five-second rule. If you can’t keep the palm of your hands on asphalt for five seconds, it’s not safe for your dogs to be walking on roads or the boardwalk.

Allowing time for water and shade are important.

For owners of “smush face dogs” like bulldogs or pugs, it’s important they stay out of heat because it effects their breathing.

And always be aware of the signs of heat stroke, including vomiting, anorexia, lethargy and drooling.

“We see a lot of heat stroke. And we also see a lot of salt water toxicity. So although you may think it’s OK for them to drink the ocean water, it’s not. It actually worsens their dehydration. So bringing them their own source of water and their own bowl is very important,” said Dr. Fantasia Maniatty with Precious Paws Animal Hospital.

If you do want to keep your pets cool, step one is to cover them with a room temperature towel.