Pet Party Line is a column written by Beth Byrd and is featured weekly in The Citizen News, one of our local newspapers.

"Tips on Protecting Your Pets From Heat"

In this extreme heat wave we have been experiencing, PLEASE read and use these tips to protect your pets. If you know of a situation where an animal’s health is in jeopardy, call our local animal control and they will gladly check on the pet.

Pets most at risk are:

1. puppies and kittens up to 6 months of age
2. geriatric pets
3. overweight pets
4. pets that overexert during work or exercise
5. pets that are ill or are on medications
6. animals with relatively short or broad heads, such as bulldogs or pugs
7. pets with fever, dehydration, heart disease or poor circulation.

Outdoor pets should have water kept in shaded areas with more than one bowl in case it is spilled. (A fellow pet lover told me recently of a friend whose 4 year old English Springer Spaniel, who was kept outside on a runner, had knocked over his water bucket and died. The family was away for a brief period and were devastated when they returned home. He apparently had been unable to make it into the shade and became overheated and disoriented). If your pet stays indoors, make sure the area is well-ventilated and there is plenty of water available. Bring animals in out of the heat if at all possible.

Do NOT leave pets in the car for ANY REASON. Minimize exercise during the middle of the day and when temperatures are highest. Pets will loyally follow their owners outside, so be aware. Do not walk pets on hot pavement; it can burn their paws. Source: Metro Columbia Bark Busters.