Think Twice Before Cooling Off with Ice

Pets' paws and health are at risk during extreme heat waves. A heat advisory is in effect through Friday in central Indiana, with peak heat index values expected to exceed 100 degrees each afternoon.

If you can't comfortably hold the back of your hand on the pavement for at least 7 seconds, it's too hot for animal paws, said Tom Dock, director of communications at Noah's Animals Hospitals.

Dog owners in Indianapolis are taking precautions to keep their dogs cool and calm. Isabella Amaya said, "I take a water bottle with me. I try to make sure he has a bowl for him and not that long. If anything, he can last a good 30 minutes but, because he has so much hair, I try not to be out with him that much."

Experts advise pet owners to keep an eye on pets in extreme heat. Many dogs can only handle a short time outside before needing a rest and drink indoors.

"You want to watch for thick ropey drool, brick red gums," Dock said. "If they're all of a sudden on the ground and they don't want to get up and respond to you, that's another sign that they need to come in, and, of course, excessive panting."

Dock warns against using ice, ice water, or ice baths as a cooling solution. "If you're using it on the outside, like you're putting it on their belly, the vessels under their belly are going to constrict and that's going to trap heat closer to the core, and the body temperature is not going to come down."

Instead, he encourages pet owners to bring in their animals if they're not doing well in the heat. "Giving them something to drink is not a good idea at this point in time. Get them into your veterinarian. Get them on fluids. That's going to bring the core body temperature down faster."

For pets not suffering from heatstroke, Dock suggests using ice water cautiously. "You need to be careful and know your own dog with ice water. Some dogs do really well with it. Other dogs try to gulp it and that might cause a regurgitation."

Dock notes that while cats can experience heatstroke, it's uncommon due to their chill demeanors and intelligent nature.