Ah, summer's favorite conversational killer - is it hot enough for ya? It's easy to forget that, in fact, heat can kill. So let's take a minute to run through the warning signs and dangers of heat stroke & exhaustion... shall we?

Heat exhaustion is a less severe form of heat injury and occurs when the body is too hot. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include excessive thirst, profuse sweating, muscle cramps, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, uncoordinated movement, fatigue and fainting. The skin usually feels cold and clammy to the touch.

Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat-related illness. Symptoms of heat stroke include dizziness, confusion, combativeness, strong rapid pulse, dry skin or lack of sweating and possible delirium, unconsciousness, or coma.

-Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks because they promote dehydration.
-Eat light. Avoid hot, heavy meals and opt for foods high in water content: fruits, salads and soups.
-Dress in light-weight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
-Wear a hat or umbrella to block the sun's rays.
-Find shade or air conditioning if possible. Even two hours of air conditioning each day can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illness.
-Use common sense--avoid strenuous unnecessary projects and exercising in the heat. Avoid midday heat, the hottest part of the day being the hours of noon to 4:00p.m.

Those tips should come in handy. Lately it's felt like the sun has crashed into the earth or something... 96°F + 50% humidity can "feel like" 109°F !! arrgh.

Also, people... Remember to provide plenty of water and sun protection to your pets while you're off galavanting on the emerald coast... and please, please, please... never leave your pet in a parked car.

And keep an eye on your elderly friends and neighbors this summer. Offer them some lemonade, water, or tea. Sit down, make friends, and learn some history, you whippersnappers!!! Anything old people have to say is way better than anything you'll find on TV.

It's strange you wouldn't think you'd have to remind people to be aware of the affects of the heat. But everyyear we hear of people who get overheated and even die from it. Thanks for the reminder!

And wear your sunscreen, people!

Maybe for safety's sake I should be on the beach to demonstrate the proper lotion application process on those eligible ladies...

hah.

See our local vet talk about pet safety and heatstroke dangers in a helpful and informative video.

Check out the video here