PADUCAH - McCracken County Animal Control Director Jeff Brown braves the heat every hour to cool off the shelter's dogs.
"Some of them like the water sprayed and other ones don't. it helps all of them when they get cooled down," Brown said.
The usual barking sounds are now drowned out by the noises of the hose and these inside fans. "Keeps it somewhat cooler inside especially since they're in the shade," he said.
Temperatures last week reached 90 degrees inside, but workers brought in more fans to circulate the air. The temperature now reads 80 and according to the shelter vet, the fans have done wonders.
"It's actually a lot more comfortable in the kennel than in my kitchen right now so that just tells us these guy's efforts are really paying off," said Dr. Bonnie Jones.
Along with creating some shade, Dr. Jones recommends changing the water bowls constantly, even adding ice cubes. She said she's seen an increase in treating animals for heat illnesses because the owners aren't taking the proper precautions.
"We are really encouraging people to leave their pets at home - not to bring them out in the cars and make sure that when they are at home, they are doing everything they can to keep them cool," she said.
And if you have multiple pets, you might want to keep them separated. Jones said, like humans, the hot temperatures can affect your pets attitude. "Every time we have a stress on us, it makes us a little more agitated. I'm cranky when it's 100 degrees outside and dogs can be too," Dr. Jones said.
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