How You Can Tell Your Dog Is Overheating

Heat waves add so much stress to your daily life, and if you're a pet owner, it makes the situation even more precarious.

Is it OK if your dog is panting like that in the heat? When's the right time to get your pet outside for some exercise? We know you have these questions, and thankfully, the American Humane Society sent along some very important tips you can follow as the mercury rises.

(MORE: No AC? How To Cool Your Home In Extreme Heat)

Weather in your inbox

Forecast Location

Sign Up

By signing up you agree to the Terms & Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe at any time.

Here are some notable things the AHS wants you to know:

- Mornings and evenings are best: Temperatures aren't as intense if that dog walk happens early or late in the day, and with the added benefit of more sunlight, it means a 9 p.m. jaunt outside won't be in the pitch black.

- Yes, the pavement can get too hot: No matter what time of day you plan to walk your dog, always use your hand to test the temperature of the asphalt before putting your pet on it. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws. They can sustain serious burns if the pavement is dangerously hot.

- A little pinch can go a long way: The AHS suggests giving your dog a slight pinch near the shoulder to check hydration levels. If the area quickly goes back into place, that's a good sign. If the skin stays pinched or takes a long time to return to normal, it's a red flag that your pet might be dehydrated. Be sure to give your dog water immediately and monitor closely.

- Not all breeds are the same: This might seem obvious, but your chihuahua doesn't have the same needs/heat tolerance as a husky, and it's important to take that into consideration. Your vet can give you more information about your dog breed, but keep in mind that overweight or elderly dogs are at high risk for overheating, as are breeds with short noses.

- Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion: These are all signs to get your dog to a vet immediately: panting, lethargy, stumbling, dark or bright red tongue or gums, bloody diarrhea or vomiting, and seizures.

- Cars heat up faster than you think: That means you should never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle for any period of time. When temperatures are in the triple digits outside, cars turn into ovens in a matter of minutes. And if you witness a pet in distress inside a vehicle, call animal control or the police immediately.