By Angela Gemmill

As the temperature warms into the mid 20s today it’s a timely reminder about our furry friends and these hot summer days.

According to Jill Pessot with Pet Save in Sudbury, even leaving your pet in a vehicle for a few minutes is too long.

Furry friends can go into heat stroke within minutes, since the temperature inside a car continues to rise even with windows open slightly.

She warns that if you see an animal in distress in a car or outside call police or the Ontario Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA).

Pessot also suggests keeping our dogs inside during the highest heat of the day and only letting them go out when it’s cooler like in the mornings or evenings.

If pets must be outside they should have plenty of water and shade.

Pessot’s best recommendation when it comes to our canine and feline companions is: if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.