A local veterinary clinic is urging pet owners to be cautious of how long their pet remains in the summer heat. 

Guthrie County Veterinary Clinic Doctor Doug Frels says they recommend a pet not be kept outside when the temperature or humidity is high. He adds a pet needs good access to shade in water if they are outside and if a pet owner sees signs of heat stroke it might be too late. 

“ But as far as symptoms go, there’s going to be excessive panting, bright red color to the gums. They can become real depressed, lethargic, unable to ambulate properly. Kind of staggering. You’re probably in trouble if you actually see that.”

He says if a pet is overheating they need to soak the pet in a cold bath with a breeze to cool them down.