Steps Valley pet owners need to take to keep their animals safe during the heat

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Central Valley is experiencing the hottest temperatures of the year so far. While triple digit heat is uncomfortable for humans it is really rough for man's best friend.

"We're seeing plenty of heat exhaustion, heat stroke cases, and unfortunately we have been having quite a few pets brought in at six or seven o'clock at night that have passed away," said Dr. Chris Dobbins, Fresno Pet ER.

Dr. Dobbins said most of these cases could have been prevented if the owners had kept their dogs inside.

"Do not have them out in this heat. Anything over about 90 degrees is not safe for these guys. When you start talking about the breeds like the bulldogs or pugs, the ones that have the short noses, they can't breathe properly when it is this hot."

One dog came into the ER Monday night for heat exhaustion. Dr. Dobbins said the owner left him out in the 109 degree heat. After a series of tests he is now recovering in a machine giving him fresh oxygen and a temperature controlled environment at a cool 69 degrees.

If you must keep your dog outside Dr. Dobbins said make sure they have access to drinking water in buckets not bowls along with these other measures.

"Anything you can do to eliminate them being exposed as much as possible, shade, areas that are wet even if you have to have some sprinklers on around there or inexpensive misters that you can buy at any of the hardware stores."

Over at Fresno Humane Animal Services staff members said they are seeing an increase of dogs coming in off the streets that are in distress because of the heat. The outdoor shelter is using small pools to keep them cool but they are in need of donations.

Maria Garcia, with Fresno Humane Animal Services, said, "In order to keep them cool we need more industrial fans, we need extra-long hoses to reach more areas. We also need donation of frozen water bottles and maybe some pupsicles."

By the way pupsicles are frozen dog treats.

Anyone looking to make a donation to the Fresno County Humane Service can contract them through their website.