Despite what you may have heard, being cool really is the most important thing – at least for dogs and cats. I love to play outside, but when it's hot and humid, I'm better off in the air conditioning – especially between 10:00 and 4:00, when the sun is at its strongest. Dogs and cats are not good at managing heat and humidity. We don't perspire the same way humans do, and efficient heat management is a challenge. Exposure to the heat can cause a host of problems, not the least of which is heatstroke. This condition, which is a fever brought on by high environmental temperatures, can result in impaired organ function and death.

Most people already know NEVER to leave a pet in a parked car for any length of time, even on mild days. A sun-filled car can quickly become a torture chamber. And, though I see people do it frequently, cracking a window makes almost no difference! Any situation, however, that involves heat and humidity – including just being outside on a hot day – can induce heatstroke.

People sometimes make the mistake of assessing their own level of comfort and ascribing it to their pets. For instance, some people exercise with their dogs in high temperatures – not a good idea since many of us will loyally join in the exercise even if we're putting our lives at risk!

So how can you tell if your pet is suffering from heatstroke? Signs include:

• Heavy panting
• Salivating
• Vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Bright red gums or tongue
• Increased heart and respiratory rate
• Depression and lethargy
• Seizure, collapse, or coma

All dogs and cats can suffer from heatstroke, but some are at greater risk than others. These include:

• Senior or very young pets
• Animals with heavy coats
• Animals with medical problems
• Breeds with short snouts

If you believe that your pet is a victim of heatstroke, your objective is twofold: to immediately lower your pet's body temperature and go to the vet. Take the animal to a cool spot, preferably indoors, and place soaked towels on the pet's body, especially on the paws and abdomen. If a fan is available, use it. When soaking the towels, use cool, not cold, water. Do not use ice. While you're cooling the pet down, turn on the car and put the air conditioning on high. Once the car is cool, drive to the vet.

Numerous problems -- including kidney failure, neurological issues, cardiopulmonary problems, or digestive tract complications -- can arise hours or even days after a heatstroke incident, so going to the vet quickly is imperative.

Of course, prevention is the best medicine. So, with summer's arrival, please keep your pet's safety in mind. While it's hard for some pets to stay indoors for the majority of the day, it's often best. We live in a part of the country that gets very hot and humid, and sometimes shade and water simply do not offer enough protection. I should know, because I'm one cool puppy.

Albert, a Jack Russell Terrier, is Chairman of the Board of Wylie Wagg, a shop for dogs, cats, and their people, in Middleburg.