Keep your pets and family cool in the heat!

Aug 28, 2009

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2009
MEDIA & PUBLIC RELATIONS
1600 PACIFI C HIGHWAY, ROOM 208  SAN DI EGO, CA 92101
C O U N T Y O F S A N D I E G O
Contact: Tammy Glenn
Office (619) 595-4627 / Cell (619) 890-0778



PROTECT YOUR FAMILY AND PETS DURING HEAT WAVE


County Health and Animal Officials Offer Important Advice as Weather Heats Up

The public is urged to take precautions to stay safe and healthy as temperatures are expected to hit triple digits in some parts of the county this week.

“Avoid exercising during the hottest times of the day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and keep an eye on seniors and young children in your family and neighborhood. These age groups are most at risk of suffering heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D. M.P.H., County Public Health Officer.

Signs of heat stroke include: body temperature higher than 103 degrees, lack of sweating, rapid pulse, headache, nausea, confusion and even unconsciousness. If a person has these symptoms, move the person into the shade, use cool water to cover the body, and call 911.

Take similar steps if your pet suffers from heat stress, and take the animal to the veterinarian immediately. Also, never leave pets or children unattended inside a vehicle at any time. Temperatures can quickly reach deadly levels even with windows slightly open and in mild weather.

Other tips to keep cool:

  • Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
  •  
Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, and give your pet fresh, cool water.

Stay indoors as much as possible, and if you don’t have air conditioning, keep windows slightly open with shades closed, or go to a Cool Zone location.

Pace yourself while doing physical activities.

Bring your pet indoors, and walk your pet before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. when temperatures are cooler. Hot concrete and black top can burn and blister your pet’s paws.
Visit www.sdcounty.ca.gov/hhsa/programs/ais/cool_zones/index.html for more tips and Cool Zone locations. For additional pet tips, visit http://www.sddac.com/seasonaltips.asp#Summertime.

###