The heat is on: How to keep pets cool during heat waves

LOS ANGELES – Summer is in full swing, and with that, temperatures across the country are reaching alarmingly high levels.It’s hard to beat the heat even with easy access to air conditioning, icy drinks and swimming pools. And it can be just as hard for dogs and cats on hot days.To help pet owners keep their pets cool despite the rising temperatures, Best Friends Animal Society, a leading animal welfare organization working to end the killing of cats and dogs in America’s shelters by 2025, is offering some tips.Exercise dogs during the cooler morning or evening hours, not in the intense afternoon heat. Keep pets indoors during the hottest parts of the day. Quick walks and bathroom breaks are fine in extreme heat but try to keep pets in the shade.Be aware of the temper