But with the rest of July plus all of August and September yet to come, they surely have not seen the last of hot, sweltering days.

For the pets, fresh water and shade are essential for getting through those days, according to Dr. Mike Bottorff, a Fort Dodge veterinarian.

“Fresh water is important, very important,” he said.

Bottorff said pets should not be left in cars for any amount of time on a hot day because the interior of a vehicle can get very hot very fast.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Gracie Harvey, 16, of Fort Dodge, left, and Ellie Schiek, 16, of Fort Dodge, stand by a fan to cool off while preparing food for customers during the Class 1A regional finals on Monday at Harlan and Hazel Rogers Sports Complex.

“When what a person thinks is going to be a minute in Hy-Vee or Walmart or whatever turns out to be five or 10 minutes or 15 minutes, that car will get ungodly hot in a big hurry and the dog will go into heat stroke,” he said.

For pets that appear to be really suffering from the heat, he recommends placing ice packs on them and calling the veterinarian.

The American Red Cross offers these tips for staying safe on exceptionally hot days:

• Slow down by postponing or limiting outdoor activities.

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.

• Spend time indoors in air-conditioned places.

There are three conditions that people can suffer from the heat, according to the American Red Cross. Heat cramps are one of them. As the name implies, the main symptoms are muscle pain and spasms. For first aid for heat cramps, the Red Cross prescribes getting to a cooler place and drinking water.

Heat exhaustion is more serious. According to the Red Cross, symptoms of heat exhaustion include cool, pale skin; a fast or weak pulse; nausea; tiredness; and headaches. Someone suffering from heat exhaustion may pass out. First aid for heat exhaustion includes moving the person to a cooler place, drinking water, applying wet cloths to their skin and setting up a fan or mister near them.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related affliction. It can be deadly, so 911 should be called for anyone suspected of having heat stroke. According to the Red Cross, symptoms include hot, dry and red skin; a fast pulse, headache, and passing out. First aid for heat stroke is generally the same as for heat exhaustion, but an ambulance should be called.

SALT offers place to escape from the heat

There is a place in downtown Fort Dodge where people can go to escape from the heat.

Called the SALT Center, it is located in First Baptist Church, 28 N. 10th St.

It is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

During the winter months, the SALT Center serves as a place where people can get warm.

The volunteers who staff the center can connect people with a wide range of other helpful services.