Summer is a time to spend more time with your furry best friend outdoors. And a time when heat stroke is a real threat to your dog's health. Dogs lower their body temperature by panting and sweating through their paws. Follow these tips and you and your dog will have a great summer.

Offer The Basics: Water and Shade

Give your dog a small plastic pool to soak in. When you dog is hot, he can lay in his pool to cool off. Put it in a shady area to keep the water from heating up too quickly. Empty it out at night and refill it with fresh, cold water in the morning. This will prevent little parasites from living in the water, which your dog might ingest if he drinks the pool water.

Set up a tent to give your dog extra shade. Purchase a tent made specifically for dogs. Or you could use a child's camping tent. This will give your dog another place to escape the sun's rays for a while.

Buy a dog cooling bandana. These are bandanas that you can soak and place on your dog. As the water evaporates, it helps your dog cool off. You can find them at your local pet store or online.

Your dog has to have lots of cool water to keep his body temperature under control. Carry a water bottle or find a fountain when taking walks. Offer more frequent rest periods. Give him a bowl of ice water. The summer sun can quickly heat up your dog's water. The ice melts providing cool water to drink.

How about a dog toy popsicle? Get a bowl and put one or two of your dog's favorite toys in it. Fill it with water and freeze it. Now your dog has something cold to lick while he's busy trying to get to his toys.

Get your dog off the hot concrete. Buy a dog cot. It looks just like a camping cot for dogs. It keeps elevates your dog, and allows air to circulate around him as he pants to cool off. For extra cooling power, wet it down a few times during the day.

Bring your dog inside. Especially during the hottest times of the day. A nap in the house on the cold tile floor could be the very thing that keeps your dog from having a heat stroke.

What Is Heatstroke

Heatstroke occurs when a dog's body tempurature goes above 104 degrees Farenheit. Moderate heatstroke occurs when his tempreature is 104 to106 degrees. Severe heatstoke occurs when a dog's temperature reaches 106+ degrees. Severe heatstroke is deadly.

How would you know if your dog was having a heatstroke?

According to the website Peteducation.com, these are some common heatstroke indicators:

Weakness

Bright red nose

Thick, sticky saliva

Rapid panting

Dizzyness

Red or pale gums

Vomiting or diarrhea

If you see your dog displaying these symptoms, you should:

Take him inside.

Wet him all over with cool water.

Put a fan on him to increase air circulation.

Wrap him in towels and take him to the veterinarian right away.

Help you dog stay cool by following the suggestions listed above. Watch for symptoms of heatstroke. Enjoy your dog and your summer.