Friday's 97-degree heat found many seeking the shade, but after finding this dog tied up outside Dillons, 3000 W. Sixth St., Skyler Houser, left, Patty Crain and Susan Bogart gave water and shade to the dog. Pet owners sometimes forget that summer’s high temperatures can be especially unforgiving to their pets.

Dr. Mark Marks, a Lawrence veterinarian, reminds residents to keep their pets in mind during the dog days of summer.

“We’ve had some sad events where the dog went out and ran with the owner and then succumbed to a heat injury afterwards because they can’t physically dissipate the heat the way we, as humans, can,” he said.

Dogs and cats can only get rid of excess heat through their tongue, nose and foot pads.

“So, their cooling surface is a whole lot less than what we, as humans, have,” he said.

Marks said pets want to please their owners, so it’s up to the owners to be responsible.

Here are some heat-related tips from Marks and the Lawrence Humane Society:

• Dark-furred dogs or breeds with short-stubby noses, like boxers or bulldogs, tend to overheat more quickly. Shaved dogs can suffer sunburn and need protection.

• Try to do activities, such as walking and playing with a ball, in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.

• Avoid walking dogs on asphalt and cement because they retain heat and radiate it back upward. Instead, use the grass. Dogs are going barefooted, making them susceptible to burned footpads.

• Carry a water bottle or plan an outing where a hose or water fountain is nearby.

• Never leave a pet inside a car when temperatures are above 80 degrees. It’s against the law. A car in the summer can heat up to 200 degrees within minutes, and leaving windows open is no help.

“When we get up to 165 degrees, that’s the temperature that we finish cooking a turkey at. That’s when that little Butterball thing pops out,” Marks said. “So, they are cooking inside. They are in an oven.”

• Don’t leave dogs outside in the heat unless they are used to it. If dogs are left outside, make sure there is plenty of shade and fresh water. Be sure to stabilize the water bowl or check it frequently in case the pet knocks it over.

Lastly, Marks said, “Don’t ask your dog to do something that you wouldn’t do.”