Summer heat awareness tips for people, pets

TYLER, Texas ( KETK ) – Since it seems like this intense heat is here to stay, KETK spoke with a sports medicine coordinator and a vet for tips to keep everyone healthy this summer.

It’s the first official week of summer and health experts have said it all comes down to planning.

“Prepare your body ahead of time and put yourself in a safe place to where you can do what you need to do outside while not putting yourself at risk for heat illness,” said Carson Powell, Christus Trinity Mother Frances, sports medicine coordinator.

To keep yourself safe in the sun he’s recommending consuming electrolytes and carbs to stay fueled. Vegetables and fruits are important as well since they can also be hydrating.

“Basically, your body just burns through energy a lot faster when it’s this hot,” said Powell.

There are signs your body will display when it gets too hot: excessive sweating, dizziness and confusion.

“Once you’ve gotten to a point that you kind of have stopped sweating that’s a sign that you’ve got out of the dehydration state and state going into the heat illness state,” said Powell.

It’s not just hot for people. “I tell people if you don’t want to sit in the sun right now, don’t let your dog get out there,” said James DeSimone, Tyler Animal Emergency Hospital, Veterinarian, Owner And Medical Director.

Tyler Animal Emergency Hospital explained most dog breeds aren’t built for this heat.

“Burns on the bottom of pads and feet from animals walking on concrete or asphalt because they absorb so much heat, so it can sometimes be 20-60 degrees hotter on the surface,” said DeSimone.

There are warning signs for your dogs as well. “Just plop down and lay there can’t even lift their head up, in severe cases you’ll see vomiting and diarrhea,” said DeSimone.

Recommending avoiding asphalt and concrete when you take your pets outside. “The best time to exercise your animals is going to be the morning or the evening, same thing with us,” said DeSimone.

So whether it’s you or your pet, get them into air conditioning and consider getting medical attention once any symptoms show.

Always listen to your body and keep a watchful eye on your pets it takes time to adjust to this weather.

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