Heat index could be fatal to dogs kept outside

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA - If you think these sweltering summer days are too hot for you, imagine how your dog feels.

With the heat index cresting over 100 degrees daily in South Florida, you may want to take steps to protect your pooch.

"When in doubt, don't leave your dogs out," says Daphna Nachminovitch, vice president of the animal rights group PETA. "When heat waves like this strike, it's better to be safe than sorry and keep your animal companions indoors."

Unlike humans, dogs sweat only through their footpads and cool themselves by panting. Soaring temperatures can cause heat stress and be physically damaging or even fatal.

PETA offers these other tips:

Water and shade: If dogs must be left outside, they should be supplied with ample water and shade, and the shifting sun needs to be taken into account. Even brief periods of sun exposure during a heat wave can have life-threatening consequences.

Walk, don't run: In very hot, humid weather, never exercise dogs by cycling while they try to keep up, or by running them while you jog. Dogs will collapse before giving up, at which point it may be too late to save them. They can quickly become severely overheated, and an "exercise" session can turn into a medical emergency.

Avoid parked cars: Never leave a dog in a parked car in warm weather, even for short periods with the windows slightly open. Dogs trapped inside parked cars can succumb to heatstroke within minutes.

Hot pavement: Dogs' footpads easily burn on heated asphalt, pavement and sand. Test the road surface with your hand before walking a dog while the sun is out.

Pickups: Never transport dogs in the bed of a pickup truck. This practice is dangerous — and illegal in many states. During hot weather, the metal can burn dogs' feet and bellies.

Stay alert and save a life: Keep an eye on all outdoor dogs. Make sure they have adequate water and shelter. If you see a dog in distress, contact authorities right away and give the dog immediate relief by providing water.