Heat wave prompts health experts to urge checks on seniors and pets

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Experts are urging people to check in on sensitive groups as high heat continues to impact millions of Californians.

Health experts and veterinarians say it's especially important to watch out for seniors and animals.

"The elderly population does not respond well to heat. They lose their ability to be able to control their own body temperature," said Mato Parker, the Emergency Medical Services Coordinator at Central California's Department of Public Health.

Parker says seniors taking certain medications are particularly at risk.

"Body temperature changes, whether it's from heat-related illness or fever, can change how medications work. And so, that's going to be really, really important to pay attention to that," he said.

He says when temperatures hit above 100 degrees, caretakers should be checking on their loved ones at least twice a day -- Make sure that they're staying hydrated and indoors where they have access to air conditioning.

But for some seniors, staying inside all day isn't an option.

Bernie and Sherry Ogden are a married Fresno couple in their 70s.

The pair play pickleball at Vinland Park almost every morning, Monday through Friday.

"We usually come when it's hot like this at 7:30. We have to set up the courts, and then we play for two to three hours," said Bernie.

The Ogdens say staying active is important, but they still heed heat warnings by getting outside early or getting out of the valley.

"We usually travel to get out of this heat," said Sherry.

They say it's all about finding balance, as spending time outdoors and socializing is good for mental health.

The same can be said for our furry friends.

High heat can also put our pets at risk, but there are ways to escape, like the Indoor Dog Park Oasis at The Dog Park Fresno.

Still, the owners there understand that sometimes, keeping animals inside isn't possible.

"Take them out first thing in the morning: Between 6 and 8 in the morning. And then again after 8 in the evening... if the weather is over 90, try to keep it as short as possible," said The Dog Park Fresno owner Kat Wojdan.

For a list of Central California cooling centers, click here.

Kerry Mannix is a general assignment reporter for ABC30 Action News. For news updates, follow her on Instagram.