SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Central New York is undergoing a heat wave this week. National Weather Service has several CNY cities, one being Syracuse, labeled with heat advisories because of temperatures reaching over 95 degrees.
It is important to consistently check-in on your animals. Canine Behavior Consultant Lishelle Fazzone suggests plenty of cold fresh drinking water, minimal activity in warm locations, walks only very early in the morning or late at night, and do not keep them in a car. Car temperatures are much warmer than what is reported outside, leaving your pet in temperatures above the suggested 75 degrees.
Fazzone said any time the temperature reaches over 75 degrees, dogs are susceptible to heat exhaustion. One factor of how much heat a dog can withstand is the type of breed that they are Fazzone described. She instructed that if they are panting, constantly moving and looking for cool places, not eating, and overall seem unwell on hot days then they may be experiencing heat exhaustion.
“If you use the back of your hand to feel the asphalt and it’s too warm for you, it’s too hot for them,” Fazzone said.
Brooke Dyer, a frequent Green Lakes visitor and pet owner, said she has no plans on going outside or letting her animals experience the outside temperatures. Dyer, who has received several burns and sun poisoning, suggests using sunscreen all over and drinking lots of water.
“They need to be prepared that it’s going to be rough to walk around where your constantly having the sun on your face,” said Dyer. “Make sure you have sunscreen on literally everywhere.”
Per National Weather Service Central New York is expected to stay in or close to a heat advisory for the week. There is one in place for Syracuse tomorrow from noon to 7:00 p.m.
