October heat wave: how to keep dogs and cats safe this weekend

Southern California is heading into another stretch of heat, with triple-digit temperatures expected inland this weekend and extreme heat warnings and watches posted from Friday through next Thursday. If you share your home with a dog or cat, the morning is the time to adjust the day's plans.

Start with walks. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises against walking, running or hiking with a dog during the hottest part of the day or on especially warm days. An early morning walk, before the sun heats the ground, is the safer choice, and an evening walk after sunset works too. Hot asphalt can burn paw pads, so grass or shaded paths are kinder on warm afternoons.

Keep fresh water and shade available all day, indoors and out. The AVMA says overweight pets and short-nosed breeds, like pugs and bulldogs, are at higher risk during warm weather, so give them extra breaks.

The most important rule is about cars. The AVMA says never to leave a pet in a parked car, even in the shade or with the windows cracked, because cars can heat to deadly temperatures quickly. That includes a quick stop at the store.

Know the warning signs of heat stress: heavy panting and drooling, restlessness, unsteady walking, unusual tongue or gum color, or collapse. Any of these means calling a veterinarian or emergency animal hospital right away.

Before it gets hot today, fill an extra water bowl and save your vet's after-hours number in your phone.