Tips For Keeping Your Pets Cool As The Temperature Rises

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- With temperatures soaring over the next couple of days, officials are warning pet owners to keep an eye on their furry friends and make sure they stay cool.

Hot weather can be dangerous and just like people, pets can suffer from heat stroke and dehydration. Make sure your pets have shady spots to get out of the sun and bring them indoors when it's extremely hot.

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Leave out plenty of fresh water for your pet and don't over exercise them.

Never leave your pet alone in the car, even with the windows rolled down. In just a matter of minutes, temperatures inside a parked car can reach dangerous levels, according to Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk County SPCA.

"Your pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heat stroke when trapped in these high temperatures," said Gross.

Be sure to know the warning signs of an overheated pet.

"Symptoms of  overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse," Dr. Lila Miller, ASPCA Vice President of Veterinary Outreach, said on the ASPCA's website. "They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees."

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If it seems like your pet has any of these symptoms, take it to a veterinarian right away.

Livestock also need plenty of water and shade and any activity should be limited to the cooler times of the day. Horses will double their intake of water during hot weather, according to the SPCA of Westchester County.

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How do you and your pet beat the heat? Please let us know below in our comments section...