One of the biggest issues for pet owners every summer is avoiding heat stroke. Pets deal with heat differently than humans, so we need to be extra aware of how we help them keep cool. The veterinarians at Waipio Pet Clinic in Waipahu, HI truly care about animals and take quality cat and dog care personally. 

The staff offers the following advice for protecting our furry friends from summer heat:

• Don't leave your pet in a hot car. Few owners ever leave their dogs in hot cars intending to cause harm. Rather, it's always because they'll be “back in a minute,” or they thought it was enough to crack a window. And every year, hundreds of dogs die from heat stroke. That's because temperatures skyrocket in a hot vehicle—up to 35 degrees hotter than outside. The risk for heat stroke is so high that some dog owners won't even drive their dogs in the first place when it's hot. Sometimes it's better to leave them at home.

• Avoid leaving your dog tied up outside. While leaving your dog tied up is slightly better than leaving him in the car, don't do it when it's blistering out. If the pavement hurts to touch, it'll probably hurt your dog, too. Keep him within your line of sight if you must tie him up, and don't be gone too long. If at all possible, however, bring him with you!

• Keep an eye on your pet's stamina. Both cats and dogs can suffer from heat stroke. You can protect them by keeping them hydrated and remembering that their outdoor stamina will be significantly lower this time of year. Leave your walks to the early morning (when it's coolest), and don't exercise for too long. Stop and bring your pet into the shade right away if you notice them breathing laboriously or acting disoriented. Help them cool off, and call an emergency vet if symptoms don't improve.

To schedule an appointment or checkup with a certified vet, call (808) 676-2205. For more animal wellness tips, visit Waipio Pet Clinic on Facebook.