Hot enough to fry eggs on a rock

In general, I prefer warm weather to cold.  Have long said that I could take off enough clothes to stay comfortable (nudist at heart) but I can never put on enough clothes to stay warm (that was before menopause!).  That being said, I have to admit that this current heat wave of over two weeks and 100+ degree weather is getting to be unbearable.  We plains people of Kansas are not made for the desert temperatures that we have been getting.  Actually, the desert would be an improvement since it is an arid place and lacks our current 80%+ humidity.  My air conditioner is even panting!

As humans, we can find relief by staying indoors in the AC.  However, there are plenty of animals that are left out of doors to endure.  It is important that we help our pets survive this heat by providing lots of shade, fresh cool water and even a wading pool.  Be sure to change the water several times a day.  The water in a bowl heats up pretty quickly and your pet doesn't like hot water to drink any more than you do.  A lot of animals do not eat as well during this hot weather.  Digestion of food generates heat, so feeding your pets early in the morning or later at night may be helpful.  Dogs and cats cannot sweat.  They pant in order to dissipate heat from their bodies.  A normal body temp. for your pet is 101-102 degrees.  When the outside air is already over 100 degrees and your pet is breathing in that hot air, how much cooling do you think they are getting from panting? .....Not much.  It is not wise to consider your dog's dog house as enough shade.  Inside that house, that is not insulated and lacks any air circulation, the temperature could be equal to outside temperatures or higher.  To expect your dog to go inside is sort of like encouraging him to just step into and lay down in an oven!  My dog house is under trees, but also has a tarp on it to help provide shade.  I have also added a pool inside my dog run for them to lay in.

Unbelievably enough, I have seen a few ignorant people with their dogs out jogging, shopping (leaving dog in cars) and even taking their pet to amusement parks!  Meade and I have forgone our walks lately due to the extreme heat.  The rare outing for walks have been limited to very early in the morning and have even limited how long we walk.  I try to avoid asphalt, especially during the hottest part of the day. Asphalt retains heat! and the heat can burn dog's pads.  I ask you to walk barefoot down your street during the day and find out what that is like.  The heat that rises up from the asphalt increases the temperature around you and your dog, the outside temp. may be 100 but 110 or greater is being emitted from the asphalt surface!  Your dog did not ask to go for a trip to Silver Dollar City...leave him at home with a sitter!  I wouldn't even take my grandchildren there right now!  Finally, leaving your pet in a car, even with the window down?  Give me a break, before you do this, try this experiment yourself.  Pull into Walmart parking lot, crack a window and sit in there for 30 minutes...I beat you don't last 5 minutes....and you can sweat!

Be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion in your pet. Loud, rapid panting is one of the first signs of heat exhaustion. Other signs include rapid pulse, glazed eyes, elevated body temperature (greater than 103), excessive salivation, excessive whining or agitation, staring or vomiting and white or bluish gums. Only one of these symptoms has to be present to indicate your pet may be in trouble.

    

If your pet becomes overheated, you must lower his body temperature immediately.  Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over the body to gradually lower the body temperature. 

Apply ice packs or cold towels to your pet’s head, neck, and chest only.  Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. Take your pet to a veterinarian right away—it could save your pet’s life.

If you see an animal in a car exhibiting any signs of heat stress, call your local animal care and control agency or police department immediately!