Says Dibra, "It's important to take steps to ensure that a dog doesn't overheat in hot humid weather." Here are his guidelines for preventing heatstroke, and possible death.

• Don't make your dog run along beside you as you jog, bike or skate. Don't ask your dog to run at all in severe heat. A brisk walk in the cool of early morning or late evening is sufficient exercise. Remember to bring along bottled water and a plastic drinking cup for the animal.

• Don't tie a dog out doors during a heat wave. If it can't remove itself from the sun, it's likely to suffer heat stroke.

• Do be sure the dog has a cool place to retreat to &#nbsp;under a porch, for example, or the shade of a tree.

• Do hose your dog down if it seems to be overheating. This will lower body temperature quickly.

• Do supply your dog with plenty of water. Dogs perspire through salivation and need plenty of cool water.

• Do supply your dog with plenty of water. Dogs perspire through salivation and need plenty of cool water.

• Don't leave your dog in a non-air conditioned space unless it can get to a "cool spot" (such as bathroom tiles.) If your apartment isn't air conditioned, feed the dog ice cubes to keep its body temperature.

• Never leave your dog in a parked car in intense heat, even with the windows partly open. Your dog wont survive.