Summer time in South Carolina is known for scorching heat and humidity. Dangerous for humans and potentially deadly for our four legged friends.
"It's kind of stiffling at times right now. and we're just in june... it's just going to get worse," says Dr. Christie Griffin, Griffin Animal Hospital Veterinarian.
Experience tells Griffin that business will pick up soon due to heat related problems.
"They don't tolerate heat well. It's just like people. Especially as we get older, we don't do very well with the heat. The same applies to our pets," says Griffin.
Old, young and overweight pets are more susceptible to the weather. It's important to pay attention to your pet things like dry, discolored gums panting and heartrate. If you see signs of distress, seek medical attention. If a pet has to be outdoors, it should have plenty of shade and water. The simple rule, if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your pet.
And when it comes to cars, Griffin reminds pet owners to use common sense.
"Think of them as a small child. you wouldn't want to leave your child in a car for really any amount of time. try to think of them that way too," says Griffin.
Don't leave your pet in a car more than five to ten minutes. Griffin suggests leaving the windows down, parking in the shade or just have an adult sit in the car with the pet with the air conditioning running.
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