We all know that summers in Kansas are hot, and while everyone loves having fun in the sun with friends and family, it’s important to remember that high temperatures can be dangerous for our furry friends.

Pet owners should take precautions to keep their four-legged family members cool and hydrated during the summer months. Allowing pets to become overheated can have disastrous consequences when owners are not aware of the dangers that hot weather can present.

Heat exhaustion is the first step toward heat stroke and, if caught early, can easily be alleviated. Symptoms can include:

• Heavy panting

• Weakness or signs of confusion

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Fast heart rate

• Dark colored urine (which can indicate dehydration)

Heat stroke is more serious, and pets must be treated very quickly. Symptoms can include:

• Rapid panting

• A high temperature (although in severe cases the temperature can fall very low)

• Either bright red or pale tongue and gums

• Thick, sticky saliva

• Depression

• Weakness

• Dizziness

• Diarrhea

• Shock

• Coma

• Sudden complete cardiovascular collapse.

If you notice that your pet has any signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, it is important act quickly. Move your pet to a shaded or air-conditioned environment, wet down her coat or apply cool towels to its head, neck and chest, and offer it cool (not cold) water to drink. Then, take it to your veterinarian immediately for an exam.

Help protect your furry family member from heat exhaustion and heat stroke with these important tips:

• When outdoors, make sure your pets have a shady area to relax, and do not leave them outside for extended periods of time.

• Make sure clean, fresh water is available for all animals at all times.

• Never muzzle any dog that is going to be left outside.

• Avoid walks and runs during the hottest parts of the day. Sudden heat stroke during strenuous activity can lead to sudden collapse and death! When you do go out on walks, be sure to take water with you to provide a source hydration and internal cooling for your pet. (Don’t forget to take water for yourself, as well!)

• Avoid walking animals on hot concrete or asphalt. Hot surfaces such as these can cause burns to the paw pads. Remember: if it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for your pet’s feet.

• If your pets must be outside during a hot time of day, wet them down and provide a child’s swimming pool filled with water to help them stay cool.

• NEVER leave an animal in a car for any length of time when it is warm outside. Even on a day that doesn’t seem hot to you, the inside of a car can quickly reach dangerous temperatures. In the city of Lawrence, it is illegal to leave an animal in a car for longer than 5 minutes if the temperature is 80 degrees or higher (or 30 degrees or lower)!

If you see an animal in distress in a hot car please take the initiative and call 911. You may save a life!

Remember, hot dogs are only good for picnics. By knowing the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, you can help prevent them in the first place, which will allow you to enjoy summer fun with your furry companion.

— Jennifer Stone is the medical director and staff veterinarian at the Lawrence Humane Society. She has been a shelter veterinarian for more than a decade.