Pet Precautions for the Upcoming Heat Wave

There's new legislation that gives people immunity from criminal prosecution if they bust a window of a car where they see a child or animal alone in hot conditions and under stress.

But Angela Speed of the Wisconsin Humane Society hopes it doesn't have to come to that.

She's trying to get the word out for pet owners to take great care of their cat or dog with the extreme heat set to bear down on Southeaster Wisconsin in the coming days.

"You really need to take special precautions for your pets," urged Speed. "Dogs don't regulate body temperature the same way that people do. They tend to cool themselves through breathing and respiration. They don't have sweat glands like we do."

The Humane Society is encouraging pet owners to bring their pets inside with the air conditioning or keep them in the basement during the hottest times of day.

They are asking that you hold off on walking your pet to the early morning hours or later at night.

If you do have to keep your pet outside, experts say make sure there is shade and plenty of water available.

And when taking your pet for a walk, there's a simple rule of thumb to follow.

"Make sure to touch the pavement with your hand," said Speed. "If it's too hot for your palm, it's too hot for your dog's paw."