Tips For Keeping Your Pets Safe During Colorado Heat Wave

Colorado will see triple-digit temperatures through Friday, June 18. As we go through the week, it's important to keep an eye on your dogs and pets during this Excessive Heat Warning.

“Think about how you’re feeling if you walk outside. That is what your dog’s feeling, multiplied by three,” Jonathan Gegerson, Veterinarian Technician at MaxFund Animal Clinic told CBS4.

Gegerson says he treats many dogs with heat-related injuries in the summer. He's already treated two dogs since Denver's hot spell started.

“Her paws got so bad, they actually blistered up and were bleeding. She got a terrible paw infection. She was only outside on the concrete for 10 minutes,” he said.

Here are essentials tips for keeping your pets safe during the hot weather:

• Never leave your pet in a parked car, even with the windows cracked
• Exercise your dog in the early morning or evening instead of the middle of the day
• Keep walks on hot asphalt or concrete to a minimum, their paw pads can burn even in 88 degree weather
• Provide pets with cool water at all times
• Keep pets well-groomed, but don't shave off all of your pet's hair. The hair coat protects against sunburns

You can find more information on summer pet care here.