SPCA urges pet owners to be watchful during summer heat

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- With triple digits temperatures headed our way next week, the Central California SPCA wants pet owners to be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion.

On a day when temperatures reached triple digits, the family of Rex, a mixed Chihuahua, kept him in a shaded area out a Woodward Park.

"That dog could probably get real sick. We don't want him to, so we picked the shade," Kaylee Barcerian of Fresno said.

Barcerian did the same thing for her pup Archer.

"He's my fur child," she said. "I definitely take care of him before I take care of myself."

Heat exhaustion is a real thing for pets.

The Central California SPCA said keeping them well hydrated is key in trying to avoid it.

"They're water intake needs are going to be hotter in the summer than in other time of the year," Laura Wolkow with the SPCA said.

But there's one thing they say some pet owners are not aware of or overlook.

"What some people don't know is the cement can burn your pets feet if you're walking them out on the hot cement and we do see quite often dogs that have burns on their feet just from being taken on a walk during the wrong time of the day," Wolkow said.

Officials with the Central California SPCA said heat exhaustion is something they see frequently and said there are some things to look for when questioning whether or not your pet is suffering from it.

"Lethargy, general, looking down if they are panting too much and really just their energy level," Wolkow said. "That's a sign right there."

And if you do see that in your pet, they say there are things you should immediately do to help them.

"Cool them down by spraying them with water bringing them a damp cloth, seek medical care," Wolkow said.

Officials also say it is also doing what it can to keep its animals safe, such as providing portable coolers in the shelters.