Be attentive. Provide plenty of fresh water at all times. When traveling with a dog, always bring a full gallon-size thermos. During extreme heat, monitor for signs of overheating, including excessive panting, weakness, and elevated body temperature.
Value the shade. Cooler mornings or evenings are best for walks or playtime, and pets should be allowed to “rest in a cool part of the house” during the heat of the day. For outdoor dogs, nothing beats “a properly constructed doghouse” for providing protection from the sun.
Create no death traps. Never leave a pet in a vehicle. “A parked automobile can become a furnace in no time.”
Keep them groomed. To prevent overheating, trim dog hair to a 1-inch length—“never down to the skin, which robs Rover of protection from the sun.”
Source: Wichita Eagle