Pets can get heat stroke, too

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- The Dog Days of Summer campaign strives to teach new tricks to U.S. dog owners and caretakers about heat safety, American Red Cross officials said.

The Red Cross is encouraging the 67 million U.S. dog owners about how to keep their furry family members safe this summer because pets can get heat stroke, too.

Heat stroke, or hyperthermia, occurs when an animal gets severely overheated and is most common in the summer months.

The Red Cross advises dog owners to make sure their four-legged friends have plenty of cool water and shade during hot weather. Never leave a pet in a parked car, because even with the windows cracked, pets can quickly suffer heat stroke and even die, Red Cross officials said

"Summer is a crucial time for pet safety awareness. We live in North Carolina and it can get extremely hot here so it is important that people know the proper way to care for their pets during the summer conditions," NASCAR driver, Red Cross blood donor and American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet Member Greg Biffle said in a statement.

"I think this Dog Days of Summer campaign that the Red Cross is supporting is incredible."