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Summer Heat - People & Animals

Posted: July 11, 2017, 10:15AM

Summer weather is once again upon us!  For those of us who hate winter, we are extremely grateful!  To be safe in the summer heat, a few tips bear repeating:

1 - Check on your elderly family members and neighbors.  Be especially cautious if they don't have air conditioning.

2 - Older people are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.  Poor circulation, inefficient sweat glands and changes in the skin can be risk factors as well as heart, lung and kidney diseases are also risk factors.  Medications can also impact an older person's ability to tolerate heat.

3 - Stay hydrated.  Drink plenty of water and remember that caffeinated products act as diuretics.  Caffeinated drinks may include coffee, many kinds of pop, energy drinks and tea. 

4 - Watch out for the mid-day sun!  It's hotter mid-day when the sun is overhead.

5 - Wear a hat to protect your head.

6- Wear sunscreen to protect your skin.

7 - Do not leave older people in the car with the air conditioning turned off.  Many people like to get out for a ride, and it may be tempting to run into the store to grab a few things while your older person waits in the car.  The inside of a car becomes extremely hot very quickly.  Make sure the air is on so they stay cool.  If your older person has dementia, it may not be safe to leave them in the car alone with the car running and the air conditioning on.  Be very cautious and use safety sense!

7 - Do not leave your companion animals in your car!!!  Leave them at home.  A car can quickly reach over 100 degrees which can be fatal to your companion animal....even with the windows 'cracked'. 

8 - When you walk your companion animals, feel the asphalt.  If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws.

9 - Make sure your companion animals have plenty of fresh water. 

10 - Do not leave your companion animals in the sun without some kind of shade.  Best bet - keep them inside during the heat of the day.

The sun and heat can be very dangerous.  Use safety sense with your older people and with your companion animals!

 

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