Hotter temperatures are expected this weekend, which means more attention needs to be on our pets.

Veterinarian Dr. Mark Peters with Jefferson Veterinary Clinic reminds dog owners when temperatures are 90-degrees and above to leave their pets at home and not take them in a vehicle. He says temperatures inside a non-running vehicle can be an extra 20-30 degrees hotter than outside and those environments can be stressful on dogs. He describes the signs that dogs show when they are impacted by extreme heat.

“Well extreme panting, more than normal, their tongues get incredibly large just trying to dissipate that heat. They can have – in the veterinary world – we call ataxia, a wobbliness to them. If they get to be where they are not responsive that’s obviously an emergency.”

Dr. Peters adds dogs can succumb to heat-related illnesses quicker than humans because the only way a dog can dissipate heat is by panting. If you notice a dog reacting like this, get them to a cool place and give them fresh water.