Dogs can only rid their body of heat while panting. They do not have sweat glands - as humans do - except for a few on their feet. Panting alone is not enough when the temperature soars.

We have a few recommendations for you and your family to help your dog have a happy and healthy summer:

• Make sure you provide plenty of water. For an outside dog, an automatic dog waterer or a Handi-Drink Pet Water Bottle is the perfect way to provide clean fresh water.

• Never leave your dog in the car - even for a few minutes - in the heat. Just a few short minutes in these conditions can lead to irreversible organ damage or death.

• Protect your pet from the damaging rays of the sun. If you have a white, or lighter colored dog, areas of the body (tops of ears and nose) can sunburn. Applying a pet specific sunscreen may help prevent sunburn.

• Watch out for heatstroke. If you do vigorous exercise with your dog, make sure you exercise in the cooler hours of the morning or evening.

• Better yet, go swimming with your dog! Play fetch with a water toy, such as the Aqua KONG or Floatable Disc. This way both of you can keep cool!

• If your pet is outside during the day, consider investing in a Cooling Bed such as the TheraCool™ Cooling Gel Pet Bed.

• For an extra-special summer treat, give your pooch a Arctic Freeze Chew Toy right out of the freezer.

My Dog Nose It! Sun Protection

Handi-Drink Pet Water Bottles

Arctic Freeze Chew Toys

TheraCool™ Cooling Gel Pet Bed