They may call the hottest periods the "dog days" of summer, but that's not to say that your dog, or your cat, or your ferret, or your pot-bellied pig for that matter, will thrive in the steamy temperatures that summer can deliver. Here are some things that veterinary experts want you to know about keeping your pet alive, happy, healthy, and comfortable during the hottest months of the year: 

• If you're driving around with your pet in the car, resist the temptation to pop into a store, a friend's home, or any other destination, even if it's "just for a minute." Unfortunately, that scenario has been the beginning of many a tragic incident. A study conducted by Stanford University showed that even on a relatively cool day (say, 72 degrees F) the temperature inside a car can jump to 116 degrees F within an hour. And having the car's windows open a crack makes little difference.
   
• If you drive with your pet in the car, make these items part of your standard equipment: a collapsible travel bowl (available at pet stores) and several bottles of water. You may feel fine on a nice day, but never forget that your pet is more susceptible to heat stroke than you are, and it's all the more likely if you have been out of the car exercising with your pet or in the vicinity of hot pavement.
   
• If you keep a dog tied up in the yard while you are away from home, study the situation carefully: Is it possible for your dog to get the chain or leash wound around a stake or tree and therefore get stranded in the direct sun? Are shelter, shade, and cool water available? Is it possible for your pet to tip over his water bowl?
   
• Morning, noon, and night, give your dog or cat a good soaking from the garden hose to cool him off. Many pets will learn to love this routine on warms days. Fill a kiddie pool in your yard so your pet can take a spontaneous, cooling dip. (Make sure smaller pets can get in and out of the pool easily.)
   
• If you are leaving a pet shut up in the house during the day, is the air conditioning on? Is there access to a cool basement?
   
• When you're walking with your dog, avoid sun-heated asphalt, which can burn your dog's footpads. Instead, gravitate toward grass and dirt.

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