There haven’t been too many days of triple-digit heat index this summer but the entire state has been feeling it yesterday and today.

One thing we all need to keep in mind during these extremely hot days are keeping our pets comfortable.

Dr. Mark Peters, a veterinarian at the Veterinary Clinic says if you keep pets outside make sure you have plenty of fresh water and shade to keep them cool.

He points out that dogs pant, they don’t sweat and that’s how they get rid of body heat.  Peters comments that it’s okay to have a fan for your pet outside, just make sure that the cord is protect from them chewing on it.

He describes what you should do about pets inside vehicles.

“If you know that you’re going to have to go uptown and have to run errands or go to Walmart or whatever, just leave your pets at home where its nice and cool.  There’s nothing wrong with taking them for a drive when you’re inside with them and the air conditioner is going.  But if you’re going to park for a while, then just leave them at home and just totally avoid the situation altogether.”

Peters suggests to watch the weather forecast and to avoid situations where your pets could be in danger from the outside temperature.