Exercise your dog in the cool of the early morning or evening--never when it's extremely hot or humid. Take care not to let your dog stand on hot asphalt, as his sensitive paw pads can easily burn.

Provide plenty of shade and cool, clean water for animals kept outdoors. And please bring your cat or dog inside during the hottest part of the day to rest in a cool part of the house.

Never leave your animal alone in a vehicle. Overheating can be fatal. Even with the doors open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time. Parking in the shade offers little protection, as the sun constantly shifts during the day.

Some animals will need extra care in hot weather, especially those who are elderly, overweight, or have heart or lung disease. Certain breeds of dogs, including pugs, bulldogs, Lhasa apsos, Pekingese, Boston terriers and shih tzus, also need extra attention on hot days. If your pet is showing signs of heatstroke or exhaustion, take him to your veterinarian immediately.

For more on how to keep your companions cool, please visit the ASPCA online, where you can also watch a short video on hot weather tips.