When it's hot, take extra precautions for your pets

With forecasts of warmer weather the next few days, animal shelters have issued reminders about protecting pets from the heat. Here are some tips provided by King county Animal Care and Control:

• Never leave pets (or youngsters!) unattended in a closed vehicle, because cars left in direct sunlight turn into lethal ovens. Even in cars parked in the shade with windows cracked open, pets can can suffer brain damage or death from heatstroke.

• At home, pets need access to indoors or shady/breezy spots at all times and an abundant supply of cool water. Dogs should only be exercised moderately in the early-morning or evening hours. When the temperature is uncommonly high, exercise should be abandoned altogether.

• Never leave pets chained or confined outdoors in the sun. Provide a shady area — a doghouse, porch or tree — and always provide plenty of cool water.

• If you must leave an animal indoors, leave it in a cool room and open a window. If possible, keep a fan running out of reach of the pet.

• Signs of heat stress in a pet include heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, dizziness, vomiting and a deep red or purple tongue. If a pet becomes overheated, the animal's body temperature must be lowered immediately. Place the animal in a cool place and apply cool (not cold) water over the pet's body. Apply ice packs or cold towels only to the head, neck and chest. Let the animal drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. The pet should then be taken immediately to a veterinarian.

• Pet owners can be prosecuted for animal cruelty if a pet dies or is found suffering from the heat due to the owner's neglect.