With summer heating up early, new pet owners and even long-time pet guardians can be challenged to provide for their pets in the heat.

According to Brock Lofgreen, DVM with the  Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital of Wichita, dehydration and heat exhaustion/heat stroke are the two most frequent results of high summer temperatures. He noted that it is usually at the change of the season when they see an increase in cases, as it tends to build up over several days in outdoor animals.

Darker colored animals are more susceptible to heat-related illness as are those with respiratory issues whether due to age or breed. "Flat faced dogs such as Pekinese, Pugs, Boston Terriers can be more susceptible to heat exhaustion because they take in air differently than other breeds," noted Dr. Lofgreen.

The Emergency Veterinary Clinic will typically see 20 to 30 cases of heat-related illness each month during the summer, and all could be prevented.

1.  Never leave your dog in the car for any length of time.

2.  Bring your companion animals inside during the hottest part of the day if at all possible.

3.  Make sure your pet has ample shade and water.

4.  Provide a small pool of water (the small heavy plastic baby pools can work nicely), that they can get into and lay down in to cool off. If a pool of water isn't feasible, you can also create wet spots in the yard in the shade which will provide some relief.

Dr. Lofgreen also said that very active dogs can overheat themselves quickly because they may run up and down a fenceline regardless of the temperature. He cautioned that garages, while they may seem a safe place, can also heat up and to be sure that it is well ventilated for air flow so it does not contribute to your companion animal overheating.

If you are crate training your dog, especially if you are not using a wire crate, be aware of the crate placement in the house to be sure it is not being hit by sunlight during the day. You may want to use a dog pen if you're in a house training stage or your dog has separation anxiety difficulties that you're working through and there is not a suitably cool place for the crate. Hot temperatures may mean an extra visit during the day to let your pet out and replenish water.

This time of year, especially, fireworks can cause additional stress for animals which can contribute to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Be aware of your pet's reaction to fireworks and adjust time outdoors accordingly.

Signs that your companion animal may be suffering from the effects of the summer temperatures include lethargy, excessive thirst and/or salivating, not eating well and gums that are excessively red. Dr. Lofgreen recommends that animals showing signs of heat exhaustion be bathed in room temperature--not cold--water to start bringing their body temperature down and to call your veterinarian.

If you have a companion animal that tends to be excitable, is dark colored, or may be a breed that tends to have airway issues, you can help prevent heat stroke by making sure they have plenty of water and you can add Pedialyte to the water to help replenish electrolytes.

Dr. Lofgreen also added that light colored dogs, especially those with short coats can get sunburned. You may want to try a dog pen or kennel in the shade to ensure that your dog will stay out of the sun when you're not home if you aren't able to leave him inside.

As in people, severe dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can lead to serious complications. If you suspect that your companion animal may have a heat-related illness, call your veterinarian or take your furry friend to the Veterinary Emergency Hospital, 727 S. Washington, which is open 24 hours a day every day of the year. During the day, the hospital is by appointment and offers surgery and specialty services including dentistry. Emergency hours run 5:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. Monday through Friday and from 11 a.m. Saturday through 8 a.m. on Monday.