As the temperature rises we’re warned to take precautions to prevent both humans and their pets from overheating. Those warnings do not mean neither of you should leave the house, but be responsible for yourself and your pets.

You might enjoy taking your dog with you in the car while you travel or do errands; after all he loves to go! During warm weather, the inside of your car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, in fact less than 5 minutes!

Dogs do not perspire like humans. They can dispel heat only by panting and through the pads of their feet. Dogs left in hot cars even briefly can suffer heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage and death.

If you must leave your dog in the car take an extra set of car keys with you and leave the car locked and running with the air conditioner on. If you are delayed for a few minutes your dog will remain safe and comfortable in the car.

Keep in mind, even leaving your dog in a running, air conditioned car will still require you to confirm the car is still running every 5 minutes. It would be terrible to return to your car only to find the car had stopped running and your dog dead.

Still doubting your dog gets too hot when left in a car for only a few minutes? Then take the heat test yourself. Ride along with your friend for some quick errands. This time, have your friend leave the windows closed or open the same amount as you do for your dog. You remain in the car, just as your dog does while waiting for you.

Those “few minutes” will have you sweating, which is something you’re dog can’t benefit from because he doesn’t sweat like a human. Take notice of how many minutes that quick errand really takes and how long it takes for you to become very hot. Think about what happens if your friend should unexpectedly be delayed? Regardless of a delay or not you remain inside that hot car. Now have your friend run another errand or two, after all, his errands are brief and you’ll be in the car only a few more minutes.

It’s very dangerous, and in some states illegal, to drive with a dog in the back of a pickup truck. The dog could jump or fall from the moving truck, becoming lost, injured or worse, fall into oncoming traffic.

Newer trucks have bed liners that still get very hot, but older trucks are steel! Both are extremely hot and can be equal to a hot grill to your dog’s feet. Dog pads can withstand more than human feet, but they cannot withstand extreme temperatures. In the case of heat, their pads can blister like human feet.

Place your open hand on your truck’s bed and leave it there for 5 minutes. It’s doubtful you’ll be able to do it, but this is what you’re forcing your dog to endure. Many dogs suffer blisters and infection after being forced to stand on hot grill-like temperatures when put in the back of a pickup. No matter how much your dog appears to enjoy jumping in the back of the truck, don’t allow it because even a short trip could turn disastrous.

Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your dog’s paws; the melted tar sticks to their pads. This too, can burn and blister a dog’s feet.

Concrete can also become extremely hot so be mindful and don’t walk or leave your dog on asphalt or extremely hot concrete when the sun is high in the sky. When in doubt, place your hold on the surface holding it there for 5 minutes and discover for yourself what you’re forcing your dog to endure.

Even in high temperatures dogs need exercise. On these days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Dogs with short noses, older dogs and dogs with heavy coats are extra sensitive to the heat and need to be watched carefully.

The summer festivals and fairs are numerous and fun, but not a good place to take pets. The loud noises and crowds, combined with the heat, can be stressful and the added stress will make your pet more susceptible to the dangerous heat. Many of these events prohibit bringing pets and you may be asked to leave if you have your pet with you.

Remember, dogs are shorter than people and therefore closer to the hot surface. This can have an effect on what they’re breathing, if a breeze can reach them and their heat factor. So play it safe and leave the pets at home in the air conditioning.

When your dog is outside, provide plenty of clean, fresh water and shade. A small plastic wading pool can be great fun as well as great relief from the heat for your dog.

Know the signs of heat stress, which include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting or a deep red or purple tongue.

If your dog becomes overheated, you’ll need to immediately lower his body temperature. Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water over his body to gradually lower his core body temperature. Apply cold towels or ice packs to your dog’s head, neck, and chest only. Let him drink small amounts of water or put ice cubes on his tongue. Most importantly, get him to a veterinarian immediately.

Tip of the Week: If you think your dog has overheated, get him to a veterinarian immediately. Once you’ve cooled him down he will need medical attention to recover from the heat exhaustion.

Canine Companion conducts dog training classes in Fort Wayne, Huntington and surrounding communities and behavior consulting nationwide. Along with their combined 30 years experience and endorsement by national organizations, the lead trainers are graduates of Purdue University’s DOGS! Program and have earned the title of Certified Pet Dog Trainer through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.