With the heat of summer upon us, here are a few tips to help keep your dog cool and safe:

• Avoid walking your dog on hot asphalt or tar; it can burn sensitive paw pads. Instead, walk on soil or grass.


• Exercising in the early morning or later evening will be cooler, and more enjoyable for your dog.


• When traveling in the car, or on a longer walk or outing, have a thermos of water on hand to keep your pup hydrated.


• NEVER leave your dog in a parked car! Temperatures can soar to deadly levels in a matter of minutes. This is true even if windows are cracked open, or you're parked in the shade.


• Heat stress and heat stroke are just as much a threat to dogs as they are to people. Even if it feels cool enough outside for you, remember that dogs can't sweat like humans do. So their bodies can't cool down as efficiently. Plus they have fur coats on. (grin)


• Signs of heat stress in dogs are: Heavy panting; deep red tongue; increased salivation; loss of coordination; rapid heartbeat; weakness; vomiting or diarrhea, and ultimately, collapse. If you think your dog might have heat stress, seek veterinary assistance immediately. And in the meantime, use cool (not ice!) water to wet down the dog.


• Most at risk for heat stroke are: puppies, elderly, or overweight dogs; dogs with thick or dark coats; dogs with short muzzles like pugs or bulldogs; and those with heart or lung conditions.

For more information about heat stroke and dogs, check out this great article from the Humane Society of the United States.