Our pets feel the same affects from the hot weather as we do, so it is very important that we protect them from the heat in the same way as we protect ourselves. A general rule of thumb is if it's too hot out there for you then it's too hot out there for them. You can strip down where they still wear their coat, so for some pets, the heat is even worse.

Dogs with thick coats such as golden retrievers and terriers are especially susceptible to the heat. They can suffer heat stokes if they are exposed to the heat for too long. They may enjoy being outdoors for short periods of time if there is sufficient shade for them to lie in, protecting them from the sun's rays. However, if the air is heavy from the heat, you want to limit even that time to keep them safe.

A metal bowl filled with cold water and ice cubes, and left in a shaded area is absolutely necessary for pets because they dehydrate very quickly and require a constant replenish of fluids. The cold water will cool their insides and help them to tolerate the heat.

Regardless of the temperature, most dogs are curious beings that need to run and investigate their surroundings. They tire quickly, however, if the weather is very hot. There are signs to observe so that you can know how to keep your pet safe from the hot weather.

One obvious sign is when your pet slows down and doesn't run or jump as they normally would. If your dog collapses in a shaded area after only one lap around the yard, you know the heat is getting to him. A great way to cool him down is with a sprinkler or hose or even a kiddie pool. And of course, almost all dogs love Popsicles and Freezies.

When dogs are hot, they pant very fast and their eyes roll slightly. They'll rest and then drink and keep repeating this in their efforts to keep cool. A sure sign that the heat is too much for them.

You'll also notice that pets won't eat when they are too hot so don't put their food outdoors because it will just go bad in the heat. You'll need to feed them indoors so that they are cool and relaxed to be able to digest their food properly.

Keeping them safe means fighting the other side issues caused by the heat as well. Keep them up to date with their vaccines and heartworm pills. Sadly, one of the greatest causes of death in dogs during the summer is not so much the heat, but the heartworms that they attract when they're out in the heat.

Make sure you clean up their droppings immediately to prevent heat infested maggots or worms from invading your yard and attaching themselves to your pet.

And remember, if the air is too heavy for you to breathe, then your pet won't be able to breathe either. So, treat them the way you want to be treated, and you'll have a healthy and happy pet.

Learn more about this author, Ronnie Dauber.
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