Second Chance Rescue Center cautions pet owners as temperatures rise to summertime highs.  On very hot days, owners should limit exercise of their pets to early morning or evening hours.  Pets can suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke if left outside without proper shade and water.  These conditions are very serious and could result in death.  Owners should be aware of the signs of heat stress, which could include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.  If your pet does become overheated, get him to a veterinarian immediately.

Although it is tempting to take our canine companions with us to run errands, owners should never leave a dog in the car.  During warm weather, like the temperatures we've seen in recent days, the inside of a car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, event if it's parked in the shade.  Dogs can't perspire and can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet.  Pets who are left in hot cars, even briefly, can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage or even death.

Don't think that just because you'll be gone "just a minute" that your pet will be safe while you're gone.  To avoid any chance that your pet will succumb to the heat of a car this summer, be sure to play it safe by leaving your pet cool and refreshed at home while you're on the road.  If you do happen to see a pet alone in a car during the hot summer months, alert the store management, call local animal control or Second Chance Rescue Center immediately.