While the summer has been relatively mild, recent days have seen the mercury spike into the upper 80's and lower 90's.

For those with air conditioners and plenty of liquids, the heat may not make much of an impact. But for area seniors and animals, the result could be fatal.

Seniors are more prone to heat related problems because they are also more likely to have medical problems or medications that inhibit body regulation of temperature.

Heat exhaustion in humans is characterized by:
• heavy sweating
• paleness
• muscle cramps
• tiredness
• weakness
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea or vomiting
• fainting

A recent cruelty to animals case on Henry Street outlines the dangers of continued exposure to the elements for man’s best friend.

Because of the way dogs regulate their body temperature, they are more susceptible to heat than humans.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion in dogs include:

• The dog’s panting is heavier than normal.
• The dog might appear unable to breathe deeply enough to get enough oxygen to sustain him. If this happens, he might sound as though he is beginning to strangle.
• Less than normal salivation is evident.
• The dog’s tongue might become swollen or bluish in coloring.
• The dog’s skin feels warm to the touch.
• The dog is beginning to show signs of staggering in his walk.
• Your dog seems restless and weak.
• He might develop a fever and his temperature might rise to more than 104 degrees.
• Your dog might begin to vomit or to experience diarrhea.
• Your dog exhibits evidence of delirium.

The easiest way to keep yourself and pets safe is lots of water and stay in the shade.