The hot summer days look like they are here (finally) and everyone is concerned with staying cool and comfortable. Pet owners should also be concerned with keeping their animals cool and comfortable.

Heat stroke can occur in dogs exposed to a high environmental temperature and placed under stress (such as confinement in an enclosed space or over excitement). Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, etc.), obese dogs, and older dogs with cardiovascular disease are particularly affected. Heat stroke is indicated by a rectal temperature of 105 to 110 F. The dog will also be panting rapidly and may even be salivating profusely. If you even suspect heat stroke, your dog should be brought immediately to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

However, prevention of heat stroke is the best course of action. If your dog is outside during the day, make sure that shade and water are always available. When playing with your dog outside during the day, make sure not to overdo it. In fact, on especially hot and humid days, whenever possible your pet should be kept in a well-ventilated, cool area of the house. This advice applies in particular to the high risk dogs listed above. And of course, leaving any pets closed up in a car during the day should be avoided at all costs.

The key is to remember that dogs only have panting and their foot pad surfaces available to dispense heat and they cannot tell you directly that the heat is too much to compensate for. So when you are hot and sticky and would like nothing better than to sit in an air-conditioned room and drink iced tea, remember that your dog probably feels exactly the same way and act accordingly.

The writers are Dr. Steven B. Holzman, Dr. William R. Haagenson and Dr. Kathleen Tapley. They are associated with the Nassau-Suffolk Veterinary Hospital of Farmingdale.