How to keep yourself -- and your furry friends -- safe amid Central Illinois' heatwave
Share and Follow


DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — Medical professionals and animal shelters are providing tips to keep yourself and your pets safe during this heat wave, as temperatures will remain above 90°F through the end of the week.

OSF Healthcare Spokesperson Tim Ditman said sunscreen and water are essentials when you step outside. Ditman also said it’s important to know your own limits in this oppressive heat. 

“If you start to feel dehydrated, exhausted, that’s the time to take a break,” said Ditman. “Have a buddy with you; make sure you’re checking in on your friend and your friend is checking in on you.”

But, humans aren’t the only ones who need help handling the heat. 

Pavement can reach up to 125°F. At that temperature, dog paws can burn in only 60 seconds. To avoid these burns, either use dog boots or walk your dog in the early morning and late evening. 

Dogs experience heat exhaustion too. Vermilion County Animal Shelter Programs Manager Kate Suchodolski said there are signs to look for.

“Dizziness, excessive panting, drooling,” Suchodolski said. “Just make sure that you’re getting your dog to a vet right away if you see any of those symptoms.”

Suchodolski said a dip in a cold pool always helps dogs cool off too.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

“Trump Attends NATO Summit Amid Potential Israel-Iran Peace Talks”

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump’s first appearance at NATO since returning to…

Last body found after boat capsizes on Lake Tahoe in sudden storm, bringing death toll to 8

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. (AP) — The body of the last person…

Trump says Iran and Israel to have a phased-in ceasefire over 24 hours

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Monday on social media that…

Swearing Parrot Named ‘Samuel L. Jackson’ Needs a New Home in Massachusetts

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) — A “loud and explicit” parrot has been…

The GOP faces challenges in their efforts to deter Trump from pursuing lawsuits

WASHINGTON – Republicans have hit a roadblock in an effort that could…

Arnaldo Pomodoro, the artist known for his bronze sphere sculptures displayed in iconic public areas globally, passes away at the age of 98

ROME – Arnaldo Pomodoro, one of Italy’s most prominent contemporary artists whose…

Decatur Police Department and Crime Stoppers Seek Information on Burglary

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — The Decatur Police Department is asking the public…

Picking a college major? These pay the worst after graduation, data shows

(NEXSTAR) – The cost of attending college has more young people (and…