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.