Many pets, as well as humans, are experiencing discomfort from the heat.
The Humane Society of Utah offers a a few tips for pet owners during hot weather:- Never a leave a dog in a parked car while running an errand. When the temperature outside is only 78 degrees, a car's interior can reach 110 degrees in 25 minutes, even when the vehicle is parked in the shade and with the windows partially open.
- Make sure a pet has fresh, clean, cool water available at all times, regardless of whether he is indoors or outdoors.
- Don't take a pet for a walk or for exercise during the heat of the day. Start early in the morning or wait until evening.
"Heatstroke can develop rapidly in animals, and permanent damage or death can result," said society executive director Gene Baierschmidt.
He said puppies and kittens and older animals, animals recently moved from cooler climates, breeds with short or pushed-in noses (like pug dogs and Persian cats) are especially vulnerable to suffer from the heat. Other animals that may be stricken include those that have been clipped recently, easily excited pets and those with a prior history of heat-related stress.