However, the biggest danger to our pets during the summer may be something you can't see, smell, or hear. Heat stroke is a common occurrence in dogs. Most people won't recognize the early warning signs that a dog is suffering from heat exhaustion, which if left untreated, leads to heat stroke and ultimately death.

Please remember some basics first and foremost. If YOU'RE hot, they are even hotter. Providing outdoor dogs with shade and shelter regardless of temperature and fresh cool water is also extremely important in hot, humid weather.

If you absolutely HAVE to leave dogs outside for any reason for ANY length of time:

Heat stroke is deadly and it doesn't take long for a dog to begin showing symptoms. Depending on the health of the dog, the outdoor temperature and humidity, symptoms can occur in as little as an hour.

Symptoms of heat stroke: wide eyes (frantic look), rapid heavy panting, increased body temperature (taken rectally, a dog's normal body temperature is between 101 and 103 degrees Fahrenheit), bright red mucus membranes and tongue, thickened saliva, vomiting is possible.

More advanced signs: seizures, staggering, bloody diarrhea, coma and death ensues.

Treatment for heat stroke MUST be started immediately! Move the dog to a cool area, if possible an air conditioned space. If the body temperature is above 104, immerse the dog in cool water. If this is not possible, cool water on the belly, inner thighs, paw pads, tongue and mouth are extremely important, as is cooling the entire body. For body temperatures over 106 or the dog is near collapse, a cold water enema should be given to reduce the body temperature more rapidly. Reduce the body temperature to no lower than 104, the body will continue to cool. Once the dog's temperature stabilizes near normal seek veterinary treatment immediately.

Regardless of the stage of heat stroke the dog is in, emergency veterinary care is imperative. Once seizures and coma set in, there is too much cell damage to be able to save the dog. In severe cases, the elevated body temperature triggers chemical reactions in the cells of the body... highly active cells such as brain, intestinal and liver cells are at greatest risk. The metabolic changes caused by excessive heat instigate the release of chemicals within the cells that cause the ultimate destruction, a breakage of the cell. Most heat stroke victims are dehydrated, as well, and their blood thickens to the point that the heart becomes severely stressed in trying to pump the abnormally viscous blood through the blood vessels. The result is blood clotting, stagnate blood, and death of tissues from ischemic necrosis (local tissue death due to impaired blood supply). Wherever a clot forms, the tissues nourished by the clogged vessel die from metabolic starvation. The dying cells give off chemicals that further damage surrounding tissues and recovery from this point is not possible. In some situations where the dog has experienced a dangerously high body temperature for too long and too many brain and body cells have been damaged, no matter what life saving measures are used or medications are administered, death will result. Sometimes taking as much as 48 hours after onset.

Any time you have any doubts as to whether or not it's safe to leave your pets outside, be safe and bring them in. It could save their life.

(This article is in no way intended to act as a diagnosis or veterinary advice for the treatment or diagnosis of any disease, condition, or ailment. If you believe your pet to be ill, seek appropriate medical attention immediately.)

This article has been reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Charles Lerner of Fountain Green Veterinary and Behavioral Center