How to keep dogs from overheating at home

In addition to not taking dogs on errands in hot weather, veterinarian Michelle Maloney recommended precautions to keep dogs from overheating at home in hot, humid weather.

• “You need water, always,” Maloney said. “That’s how dogs cool themselves. They really need that water. I can’t stress that enough.” The water should be cool, she said, but not full of ice.

• Skip chasing the ball or any vigorous exercise.

• Take dogs on walks early in the day and later in the day, when it’s not so hot.

• If you don’t have air conditioning, cool your dogs down by hosing them with water in the yard.

• If your dog becomes overheated, cover their fur with rubbing alcohol to cool them down. “Rubbing alcohol disperses the heat,” she said.