SOUTH BEND — Everyone needs to be careful during this heat wave, drinking plenty of water and staying cool. But they also need to keep a close eye on their pets. Animals can get sick from this heat too.
Just like a person, animals can get heat exhaustion and heat stroke. This time of year, South Bend Animal Control is paying close attention to this issue.
So what should you do to keep your animals safe?
Animal control officers say you should make sure they have plenty of water and shade. They also say to make sure they have enough ventilation if they are locked up. It's also a good idea to hose them down if they seem to be getting too warm.
If they do start to overheat, there are a few things you should look for.
"We look for excessive panting, drooling, foaming at the mouth. Those are all good indicators that the dog is suffering either from heat stroke or heat exhaustion," said Brian Walters, animal control officer.
If your animal is have a heat stroke, Walters says you should take it to the vet as soon as you can. Just like people, animals can die from heat-related illness.
South Bend Animal Control asks people to report an incident if they see a dog tied up outside without shade or water for extended period of times. Their phone number is (574) 235-9303.
