Basic rules to keep your pet cool

Water and adequate shelter are absolutely essential for pets during the summer months. Just because they can't complain about their situation doesn't mean they're comfortable.

Although it's difficult to comprehend such cruel stupidity, some pet owners don't give a second thought to running into a shop for "just a second" while leaving a puppy to bake in the front seat of the car.

Leaving animals unattended in vehicles on hot days can precipitate a problem very quickly, said Dr. Robert Tope, a veterinarian at Electric City Animal Clinic in Anderson, S.C.

"Temperatures in a vehicle with no air-conditioning in the direct sun can rise well above 120 to 140 degrees very quickly," Tope said.

Normal body temperature for a dog or cat is 101.5 to 102.5 degrees. Heatstroke occurs when the core body temperature goes above 106-109 degrees and the body's means of heat dissipation are exceeded.

"If a dog or cat is suspected of suffering heat exhaustion or heat stroke, please call your veterinarian as soon as possible. Start trying to cool your pet down by bringing him or her into the house and running cool water over them," Tope said. "Cold water, ice, or ice water is not a good idea, as cooling them down too quickly is dangerous."

If pet owners must keep their animal outside, Stephanie Garrett, secretary of the Anderson Humane Society, said they should make sure to provide plenty of cool water and make doghouses, tarps and shade trees easily accessible.

Look for signs of dehydration including sunken eyes, exhaustion, appetite loss, depression and a dry mouth, said Ann Noder, director of public relations for Orca Communications Unlimited, a company that features pet products.

"Even pets can get sunburned, so provide plenty of shady areas," Noder said.

Garrett urged people to please report any animal without proper shade and water to the authorities.

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