NPR

5 tips to keep your pet safe — and comfortable — in extreme heat

"If it's hot outside for you, it's most likely even hotter for your pet," one expert tells NPR. Here's how to protect your pet outdoors, keep them engaged inside and respond to signs of heat stroke.
Luna the French Bulldog dressed up for the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, DC, on July 4th.

As oppressive heat continues to blanket much of the U.S., it's especially crucial to take precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones — furry friends included.

Heat waves can pose the same kinds of risks to animals as they do to humans, says Michael San Filippo, a spokesperson for the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

"If it's hot outside for you, it's most likely even hotter for your pet," he tells NPR over email.

Generally, he says, pets with longer or darker fur and those with flat or pushed-in faces, like pugs or Persian cats, may have extra trouble managing heat. Pets that are older, obese or have certain medical conditions could also face a higher risk of heat stroke.

Experts recommend limiting pets' outdoor exercise and activities if it's too hot. But what

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