The Oklahoma heat this time of year is absolutely brutal and not just for us, but our pets too! With temperatures expected to be above 100 degrees this week we'll all need to make sure that we take care of ourselves and our four legged friends. If you're from this part of the country you know all too well just how hot Summers can be here in S.W. Oklahoma. For those new to the area, you're in for a surprise. A miserable, sweaty, sweltering surprise!

It's not uncommon for 100 degree heat for weeks on end. With temperatures like that you'll need to make sure you either limit your time outdoors during the heat of the day, or take extra care when spending any amount of time exposed to the heat. Take shade whenever possible, drink plenty of water, to avoid sun burns wear a minimum of S.P.F. 50 and make sure to pace yourself, take plenty of breaks when possible to avoid becoming overheated.

As bad as the heat is on you, it's even worse on your pets. Unlike humans, dogs can't sweat and cats only sweat through their paws. Meaning, once they get hot they have a very hard time trying to cool down naturally. To keep them from overheating make sure they have plenty of cool water and if outside all day a shady place to shelter themselves from the heat. Pets have a real hard time during the Summer months in Oklahoma.

I have two dogs, both Labs. Kiko our chocolate Lab, pictured below on the right, is about two and a half years old. Pepper our black lab, pictured above on the left, is just a puppy about three months old. We just got her from a pet rescue a few days ago. She's already making herself at home and the two of them are starting to become friends. Here's a quick video of Pepper in action once we brought her home. She's a handful and beyond playful!

Even though they're big dogs Kiko and Pepper spend most of their time indoors, we go out to play, walk and take care of business. It's just too hot for them to be left outside. Another big danger to pets is leaving them in a parked car. No matter how quick you think you'll be back it's too long. The temperature inside a parked car rises very quickly and it's much hotter inside, than out. Even with the windows cracked it's still too hot!

My Chocolate Lab- Kiko
My Chocolate Lab- Kiko
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We loose several pets a year due to people leaving their dogs and cats inside the car. Even a few minutes is too long for them. How would you like to be left in a car in the heat? Well then, don't do it to your pet!

Even after the air conditioning has been running, once it's shut off the temperature rises to the point that your pet is in real danger of overheating and dying. If they can't go inside where you're going, the best thing to do is to leave them at the house versus in the car. Again, the heat's bad on us, but it's even worse for pets!

We've all been somewhere and seen a dog or cat trapped in a car while their owners are inside. Maybe you've done this yourself, It's very dangerous! Check out the video by veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward. He did a little experiment by sitting in a parked car and checking temperatures every couple of minutes. The vehicle goes from 95 to over 120 degrees in the span of fifteen to thirty minutes. It doesn't take long for the inside of a car to get to extreme temperatures and harming, possibly killing your pet. Watch the video below:

NEVER leave your pets in a parked car, no matter how short a time you think it is. If they're outside pets make sure they have plenty of water and shade. If you love your pet  take good care of them by being a good owner!

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