“Everyone should take precautions to stay cool and hydrated during extreme #heat,” says Mother Jones. When temperatures and humidity soar, try to stay in an air-conditioned environment. If you are among the 12% of U.S. households that don’t have at least some air conditioning, seek refuge at a cooling center, library, movie theater or mall. Never leave pets and children unattended in a car during hot weather, and take plenty of breaks when spending time outdoors. And if you must engage in outdoor activity, avoid the hottest hours of the day between noon and 4 p.m. #Heatproof #ExtremeHeat
Tag: beating the heat
Staying Safe in Extreme Heat
Federal records cited by Scientific American say that #heat “caused or contributed to” at least 2,300 U.S. deaths in 2023. With a heat wave blanketing a large part of the country this week, protect yourself by limiting strenuous activity, drinking plenty of water, and seeking shade and climate-controlled environments whenever possible. If you start to feel flushed, faint, confused, nauseous or otherwise overheated, seek help and a cooler environment immediately to avoid heatstroke — a life-threatening condition. Apply cool compresses to your head and neck for initial relief. #Heatproof #ExtremeHeat
Pets Can Benefit From Sunscreen, Too
Did you know that #pets can get sunburns, too? Hairless, white- or thin-coated breeds and those with light-pigmented noses and eyelids are especially at risk. To keep your furry friends #safe, consider applying a #sunscreen formulated for your #pet. Also note that while it may seem like a good idea to give your pet a summer haircut, don’t do it for breeds with double coats such as golden retrievers and huskies; their coats provide protection from sunburn, extreme heat and extreme cold. Ask your veterinarian if your furry friend would benefit from a good grooming or sunscreen during the #dog days of #summer. #DogDays #PetSafety
Don’t Leave Pets Unattended in a Vehicle
Never leave a pet unattended inside a vehicle. Interior temperatures can rise quickly to life-threatening levels even when the outdoor temperatures are relatively comfortable. The interior temperature of a vehicle parked in in 70° weather will exceed 100° in less than 30 minutes, according to studies cited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, and if the outdoor temperature is 90°, it takes less than 10 minutes to spike to 109°. What’s more, cracking the windows has little effect on interior temperatures. Love your pets — and leave them at home if there’s any chance they will be left unattended — even for a minute — in a hot car. #DogDays #Pets
Know the Signs of Heatstroke in Pets
Dogs cool their bodies through their paw pads and panting, and hot asphalt or cement can easily burn their paws. Avoid walking your pet during the hottest part of the day, especially in direct sunlight. Place the back of your hand on the pavement to judge if it is too hot for your pet. Dogs and cats are at particular risk for heatstroke if they are very old, very young, overweight, or have heart or respiratory disease. If you witness signs of heatstroke as heavy panting, glazed eyes, dizziness, or vomiting, quickly remove your pet to shade or an air-conditioned space and apply ice packs or a cold towel to their head, neck and chest; then consult a veterinarian. #DogDays #Pets