Tips to keep your pet safe in the heat [Video]

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — As a heat wave settles into West Michigan for the next week, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is sharing how you can keep your pets cool, safe and healthy despite the heat.

Beginning Monday, temperatures are expected to stay in the 90s with high humidity, leading to feels-like temperatures in the triple digits. We aren’t likely to see a slight cooldown until Sunday, June 23. 

“When temperatures rise, keeping animals cool and hydrated is essential to their overall health,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “While it is important to recognize the signs of heat stress in animals, it is even more critical to prevent this stress from occurring. Michiganders can follow six easy steps to help keep animals cool and safe.” 

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