AVMA tips on helping pets survive a heat wave

Residents of the East Coast—from Maine, Boston and New York all the way to Washington, DC—have been socked this month with a record-breaking heat wave. Many cities reported triple digit heat this month (July, 2010). Dr. Ron DeHaven, chief executive officer of the American Veterinary Medical Association, explains that it's often forgotten that pets are vulnerable during a heat wave. Because they are well adapted to cold temperatures, dogs and cats can die of heat stroke during hot periods like this recent heat wave if proper precautions are not taken.