How to tell if family or pets are suffering from heat illness in extreme hot SC Lowcountry weather

The Lowcountry has endured weeks of extreme heat this summer, and days hot enough to warrant extreme heat warnings from the National Weather Service.

The hottest day of the summer normally falls between July 15 and August 1 in the Lowcountry, according to climate.gov. The Climate Prediction Center’s 6-10 day temperature outlook predicts a 60 to 70% chance of above-normal temperatures. Extreme heat can cause heat-related illness, which in some cases can be life-threatening.

As the summer’s hottest days approach, there are safety tips you can learn to protect yourself from the dangers of extreme heat. Here are tips to keep you, your family, and even your pets safe from the heat:

How to prevent heat-related illness

Extreme heat kills more Americans each year than any other extreme weather event, including hurricanes, tornadoes and floods, according to the NWS. Extreme heat can induce heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and the most dangerous: heat stroke.

Heat stroke begins when the body can no longer control its temperature. It can quickly rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, and victims need immediate medical attention. The symptoms of heat exhaustion, according to the Centers for Disease Control, are:

• Confusion, altered mental status, and slurred speech
• Loss of consciousness (coma)
• Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
• Seizures
• Very high body temperature

Anyone exhibiting signs of heat stroke should be moved to a shady or cool area and have their outer clothing removed. Apply cool water to the victim and call 911.

The best way to avoid heat illness is to avoid exposure by staying indoors. But if you have to go outside, the CDC recommends you stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade and do outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day. Don’t assume its cool out because the sun has set. Extreme heat can minimize overnight cooling, and during recent Lowcountry heatwaves, overnight temperatures sometimes never fell below 80 degrees.

Never leave a child, disabled person or pet in a locked car unattended. 31 children died in hot cars in 2025, even in winter.

How to keep pets safe

People aren’t the only ones affected by extreme heat. Your pets are also at risk.

Pets can suffer from heat stress, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stress, seek immediate emergency veterinary care. Signs of heat stress include:

• Anxiousness
• Excessive panting
• Restlessness
• Excessive drooling
• Unsteadiness
• Abnormal gum and tongue color
• Collapse

The steps to protect yourself from the heat are the same for your pet. Provide them plenty of water, keep them inside when you leave your home and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day if possible. Avoid walking your dog on the road or sidewalk, as concrete and asphalt can become hot enough to burn the paws of your dog.

To stay up to date with the heat forecast, check the NWS’s forecast here.