Excessively hot temperatures can lead to health problems for humans and animals.

For Arizonans, summer is not indicated by a date on a calendar. Instead it is a triple-digit forecast.

This week, Maricopa is expected to reach temperatures that could cause health risks to humans and animals. It will not be the last time that happens this summer.

The National Weather Service considers temperatures over 108 degrees to be “excessive.” That has brought on a heat warning for this week and maybe beyond. Those excessive triple digits are expected to continue for another week at least. Some forecasts are calling for 115-118 degrees.

That could lead to heat stress and other heat-related illnesses.

Dr. Robert Lundell, chair of Family Medicine at Sun Life Family Medical Center, sees patients who suffer from the heat in these situations.

“Usually they end up in the ER, so in general my role as a family physician is in educating patients to help prevent these illnesses,” he said.

Those who are engaging in activities outside during excessive heat need to be aware of symptoms of heat stress in themselves and others around them.

“Early signs of dehydration are thirst and cramping,” Lundell said. “As dehydration worsens patients may develop nausea, cool, pale or flushed skin, headaches. If not corrected then the patient may start to develop high body temp, confusion, vomiting and even seizures.”

The doctor said the groups most at risk are children under 4, adults over 65, the homeless and anyone doing activity outside. He said treatment for dehydration starts with prevention.

“We all should be drinking at least two liters of water per day, more if outside in the heat,” Lundell said. “Don’t wait to start drinking until we feel thirsty – by that time we are already starting to become dehydrated.”

He said someone suffering the early symptoms of dehydration should sit in a cool environment and rehydrate by drinking about half a glass of water every 15 minutes. If the symptoms persist or get worse, it’s time to call 911, Lundell said.

Pets may show some of the same signs of heat stress as humans and should be watched carefully when out on excessively hot days.

For dogs, the Humane Society of the United States says a body temperature above 104 degrees is dangerous. Other signs of heat stroke include diarrhea or vomit, stupor, seizures, excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart rate and even coma.

Common causes of heat stroke in dogs are being left in a parked vehicle, even with a window down, excessive exercise and lack of appropriate shelter. Results could be kidney failure, neurological problems, abnormal heart rhythms and respiratory arrest.

If you think your dog is suffering from heat stress:

Get your dog out of direct heat
Check for shock
Take your dog’s temperature
Spray your dog with cool water then retake temperature
Place water – soaked towels on the dog’s head, neck feet, chest and abdomen, turn on a fan and point it in your dog’s direction until the body temperature is 103.
Take your dog to the nearest veterinary hospital