Time to cool down your hot pet

Hot weather can be deadly for dogs, especially those left in cars. During these dog days of summer, the temperature inside a parked car can climb to well over 100 degrees in just a matter of minutes. Beating the heat is extra tough for dogs because they can only cool themselves by panting and sweating through their paw pads.

Heat stroke can come on quickly and result in brain damage or death. Watch for symptoms, such as restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue, rapid heartbeat, fever, vomiting or lack of coordination.

If you see a dog showing any of these symptoms, get her to shade immediately and call a veterinarian. Lower body temperature gradually by providing water to drink, applying a cold towel or ice pack to the head, neck and chest, or immersing the dog in tepid (not cold) water.

Prevent heat stroke by taking these precautions:

•Never leave a dog in a parked car. On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a shaded car is 90 degrees, while a car parked in the sun can reach 160 degrees in minutes. Animals can succumb to heat stroke in just 15 minutes.

•If you see a dog in a car, take down the car’s color, model, make and license plate number, and have the owner paged inside the store, or call local humane authorities or police.

•Don’t carry your dog in the bed of a pickup truck. This is always dangerous, but the heat brings the added danger of burning the dog’s feet on the hot metal.

•Don’t take your dog jogging, except on cool mornings or evenings, and don’t force exercise. On long walks, rest often and bring plenty of water. Hot pavement can burn dogs’ paws; choose shady, grassy routes.

•Trim heavy-coated dogs’ fur, but leave an inch for protection against insects and sunburn. Keep an eye on areas where hair is thin, like eyelids, ears and nose.

•Keep your dog indoors. If he must stay outside, avoid the hottest part of the day. Provide shade, water and a kiddie pool. Keep drinking water in an anchored bucket or heavy bowl.

•Be a watchdog for chained dogs. Make sure they have food, water and shelter.

If you see a dog in distress, contact humane authorities. Give the dog immediate relief by providing water.