Tips to keep pets safe on July 4th
American Veterinary Medical Association president Douglass Kratt provides insight on ‘Fox News Live.’
Much of the country has been experiencing extreme heat and humidity this summer — and it's not limited to the U.S.
Climatologists said the world experienced its warmest average temperature in recorded history during the first week of July, Fox Weather noted.
On July 3, the average global temperature record was broken with 62.39 degrees Fahrenheit average recorded, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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As the heat continues to affect millions of people around the world, many are asking how they should be protecting their animals as well.
Dr. Lindsay Butzer, a veterinarian from Boca Raton, Florida, shared with Fox News Digital her best tips for keeping pets safe through the summer heat.
Florida-based veterinarian Dr. Lindsay Butzer shared tips on how to keep pets safe this summer. "If it’s above 75 degrees and up to 95–100 degrees, you want your pet to live mostly indoors with cool AC," she said. (Dr. Lindsay Butzer)
The 32-year-old PetMeds partner said the No. 1 tip for keeping your animals safe from the extreme heat is to make sure they're kept mostly indoors.
"If it’s above 75 degrees and up to 95–100 degrees, you want your pet to live mostly indoors with cool AC," she said.
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"In South Florida, we see about three to five cases of heat stroke every summer — in some cases, the pets [are brought] in dead and overheated," something she said can be a result of pet owners leaving an animal outside.
Simply bringing a pet indoors, she said, can make a world of difference.
Making sure your animal has cold water readily available is also important, said Butzer. (iStock)
The Clint Moore Animal Hospital veterinarian has over 161,000 followers on TikTok and is known for sharing pet tips and tricks for animal owners.
"If it’s hot for you, it’s even hotter for your pet wearing a fur coat."
She also recommended ensuring that your pet has plenty of cold water readily available.
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"Provide your pet with plenty of fresh, cool water to have during the hot summer months," she said.
Butzer said if the temperature is too hot for a human, it's too hot for a pet. (Dr. Lindsay Butzer)
Although keeping your pet on a regular exercise routine may be important, Butzer recommended walking a dog early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are not peaking.
"Only plan to be at the beach or park for 30 minutes if temperatures are higher than 78–80 degrees outside," she said.
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Extended heat exposure can also cause dogs to get bad skin and hot spots from irritation — something she said is important to be aware of as well.
Keeping pets indoors and in the air conditioning can help prevent overheating in the summer. (iStock)
"The heat can also cause dogs to develop colitis or diarrhea simply from getting overheated," she noted.
Butzer said the best tip of all is to simply use common sense.
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"If it’s hot for you, it’s even hotter for your pet wearing a fur coat," she said.
