High temperatures through the end of the week pose a danger not just to people, but also, their pets. Dr. Detra Bryant is a veterinarian and the owner of Buffalo Trace Veterinary Clinic in Versailles. She said some pet owners don’t realize dogs and cats can’t shed heat the way humans do, by sweating.
“I feel like they don't realize the danger that cats or the dogs have with the heat. I feel like they think that either they're smaller, or they're outside so they're used to the heat, which is not the case.”
Bryant said if pets can’t be brought inside, they need a shaded area with a good breeze and plenty of water – and joggers accustomed to taking their dog with them on runs shouldn’t during the heat wave.
“Leave the dogs at home during this heat. The dogs can go for a jog on, you know, next week or in a couple of weeks. And also not just the heat, the asphalt is hard on their feet.”
Bryant said dogs accompanying runners on roads and sidewalks try to push through the pain and can wind up with burnt paw pads. She’s been a vet for 18 years and said heat stroke cases she’s had tend to have unfortunate endings.
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