Urgent warning to pet owners as dangerous heatwave sends temperatures above 100F across the US

Veterinarians have shared an urgent warning for pet owners as temperatures are set to soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit across the US.

While people are preparing for the heatwave, experts are urging them to be mindful of deadly heatstroke in their dogs and cats that can hit if the animal's body temperature surpasses 105F.

The overheating can be detected by abnormal breathing, panting, vomiting and confusion - among other symptoms. 

Experts at Cornell University said owners should start cooling their furry friend immediately — by wetting them with cool water and by placing them directly in front of the car's air conditioning while on the way to your veterinary hospital.

The heatwave hit Monday, blanketing the Midwest and East Coast where around 72 million Americans live.

Michigan, Ohio and western Pennsylvania were all under heat warnings starting Monday, with alerts in place until Friday evening.

The heat will then spread east through the week, meteorologists forewarned - blaming a 'heat dome' expected to keep high temperatures around New York, Washington, DC, and Boston later on in the week.

And while people know how to prepare for the scorching heat, experts have shared tips to help ease the impact on pets.

'When temperatures rise, keeping animals cool and hydrated is essential to their overall health,' said Veterinarian Nora Wineland. 

'While it is important to recognize the signs of heat stress in animals, it is even more critical to prevent this stress from occurring.'

Cats and dogs cannot respond to heat in the same way that us humans do.  

We have sweat glands all over our bodies that help us regulate our temperature, but our pets only have a few in their feet and around their noses. 

Many animals rely on panting and external cooling to lose heat. Their long thick hair coats can also predispose them to heat stroke. 

Signs of heatstroke are similar in dogs in cats, which the symptoms could be more subtle in felines.

Experts said people should be on the lookout for panting, drooling, restlessness, red or pale gums, bright red tongue, and irregular breathing or heart rate.

Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and lying down are also signs.

If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, you should bring them to a cool location, spray their fur with cool water and apply a fan.

However, using ice-cold water or ice may make the issue worse.

Veterinarians have also urged pet owners to take precautions to keep their animals cool, with damp towels and mats for them to lie on and frozen treats and plenty of water available.

Dogs should only be walked for a short time during cooler periods of the day because hot concrete can burn their paws.

And cats can be wrapped in a towel soaked with cold water.

If you are unable to cool your pet down, experts said you should take them to a veterinarian immediately.   

Higher than usual temperatures were already seen in places like Arizona and Georgia on Sunday, when cities like Phoenix and Georgia were hit with temperatures well into the triple digits.

Higher than usual temperatures were already seen in places like Arizona and Georgia on Sunday, when cities like Phoenix and Georgia were hit with temperatures well into the triple digits.

The Midwest and Northeast appear to be the next on the list for the pre-summer heat, now expected to hang over north-east Indiana, western Pennsylvania and most of Michigan and Ohio from Monday, The National Weather Service on Sunday said.