Hot weather is tough on people, pets

Excessive heat warning expected to last through Wednesday evening

Mother Nature has kicked it into high gear this week, with high temperatures expected to reach 115 degrees today, according to the National Weather Service.

That has triggered an excessive heat warning for Yuma County, lasting through 8 p.m. Wednesday.

The National Weather Service notes that people should stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible, drink lots of water, eat small meals, eat more often and dress for the heat in lightweight and lightcolored clothing. The agency also recommends that people should avoid dehydrating alcoholic, sugary or caffeinated drinks.

If you have older family members, check in on them, and make sure they are OK.

However, the heat isn’t just hard on people — it’s hard on pets, too.

For outside pets, consider bringing them in the house for the next few days, especially during the hottest parts of the day. If your pet has to remain outside, make sure it has ample shade and water, the Humane Society recommends.

And when it comes to exercise, limit it to early morning or late evening hours. If you can, take them to a grassy space, which is easier on their paws in the heat, the Humane Society reports.

Just like humans, pets can get heatstroke. But unlike a human, pets can’t say “Hey, I’m overheating and need to cool off.” However, there are symptoms for which one can watch. Signs include “heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure and unconsciousness,” according to the Humane Society’s website.

One final note. These temperatures are going to be especially dangerous. So don’t leave anyone in the car — not pets, not adults and not children. Think of your car as a greenhouse. In 10 minutes, the interior temperature can increase 20 degrees, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Under that formula, if it’s 116 outside, in 10 minutes, the interior of the car would be 136 degrees — and there is no other word for that than deadly.

Desert living can be tough in the summer, especially when we get a heat wave like this one. Check in on friends and family, don’t forget about the pets and, above all, stay cool readers!