Make sure you keep your pets cool during the hot temps this weekend

HAMILTON, Ohio - As the "dog days" of summer roll in this weekend, the Butler County dog warden wants to make sure you don't forget about your pets.

A Heat Warning has been issued for this weekend, saying the hot conditions can lead to potentially life threatening situations for animals.

Dogs have higher body temperatures than humans, and they can easily overwork themselves in the heat.

Butler County Chief Dog Warden Julie Holmes says they have already had one case of heat stroke, a stray greyhound that had been running loose and was overcome by the heat. Fortunately, the dog was treated by a veterinarian in time, and made a full recovery. Holmes said they had several cases last year where they were not so lucky.

"If there's not a reason for them to be outside, if you can bring your animals in for the evening, you know, for the day, put them back out in the evening, that would be ideal. It's just gonna be too hot.  And what we tell people is, if it's too hot for you, then it's certainly too hot for them wearing a fur coat, so keep them inside if you can," said Holmes.

Holmes says if you absolutely have to keep your animals outside in the heat, make sure you leave them plenty of water, a shady place to lay down, and check on them frequently.

She also suggests keeping a wading pool filled so a dog could jump in when it gets too hot.

Pet owners should stay on alert for symptoms of hyperthermia and heat stress, which include heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, staggering when they walk, vomiting and a purple tongue.  If your pet is showing these signs, immediate action must be taken to get your pet out of the heat and to a veterinarian.

For the latest forecast conditions visit http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/weather/forecast/todays_forecast/Your-Latest-Forecast .