With temperatures in the Salt Lake Valley reaching summer levels in the 90s, the Humane Society of Utah reminds all pet owners that their animal friends may be feeling fried, too — maybe even more than people.

"Heatstroke can develop rapidly in animals, and permanent damage — and death — can be the result," said Humane Society of Utah executive director Gene Baierschmidt.

Most vulnerable to heatstroke, he said, are: puppies

and kittens; older animals; animals recently moved from cooler climates; breeds with short or pushed-in noses (like pug dogs and Persian cats); pets who have been clipped recently; easily excited pets; and animals with a prior history of heat-related stress.

The Humane Society urges the public to keep in mind the following pet-care tips for hot weather:

Never take your dog riding with you and leave him in a parked car while you run an errand. When the temperature outside is only 78, the interior of a car, even with the windows partially open, will reach 110 in 25 minutes.

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Make sure a pet has fresh, clean and cool water available at all times, whether he's indoors or out.

If the animal is outside during the day, make sure he has a comfortable, well-ventilated and shaded place to rest.

Don't take a pet for a walk or try to exercise him during the heat of the day; start early in the morning or wait until evening.

For more information on hot-weather pet-care, please call the Humane Society at 261-2919.

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