Hot dogs cooking on the grill may be a tasty summer treat. But a real dog baking in the summer sun is in danger.

Pets aren't as efficient as cooling themselves as humans, since they don't sweat through their skin. The only sweat glands they have are on their pads and nose. Dogs depend upon panting to help cool themselves, a task made more difficulty when high humidity raises the heat index.

Following are answers to some frequently-asked questions about caring for your pet during the summer months.

Can my pet stay outside in the shade?
On very hot, humid summer days, veterinarians recommend against leaving animals outside all day -- even in the shade. It's important to remember that the shade of a tree will move during the day and a pet can become ill quickly if left in the sun to overheat. Unless your pet has a cool breezy outdoor area that is shaded throughout the day, he's safer indoors - especially during midday heat.

Elderly, very young, and ill animals have a particularly hard time regulating their body temperature on hot summer days, as do dogs with snub noses (such as Pekingese, pugs, and bulldog) and overweight animals. All of these pets require close monitoring and should be kept indoors as much as possible, recommends the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

Can I exercise my pet during the summer?
Exercise is an important part of keeping your dog or cat at a healthy weight, which helps his or her body stay cool. However, overdoing it on hot day can cause your pet to overheat and put him at risk for heat exhaustion.

Choose the coolest part of the day - early in the morning, or in the evening. In addition, the AAHA recommends keeping summertime dog walks to a gentle pace and making sure your pet has plenty of water. If he's panting a lot or seems exhausted, it's time to stop.

Does my dog need a summer haircut?
Most veterinarians and professional groomers recommend against shaving your pet for the summer months, because a dog's coat helps to protect his skin from the sun and provides insulation from the heat. Since dogs don't sweat to cool themselves (the way people do), they don't need exposed skin to stay cool.

However, your pet's coat must be well-groomed for it to serve its purpose. Regular brushing and combing to maintain the coat are important during the spring and summer months. If your dog is badly matted or tangled, her coat may actually trap the heat and humidity close to the skin, adding to her discomfort. A comfort clip early in the season can help.

Should I put sunscreen on my pet?
Clipped or not, your dog or cat can get sunburned, particularly if he has light skin and hair. Sunburn in animals can cause the same types of problems that it does in people, including pain, peeling, and skin cancer.

The AAHA advises keeping your pet out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. When your dog is outside, applying sunblock to unprotected areas like the tips of the ears, the skin around the lips, and the tip of the nose is recommended.

For more advice on protecting your pet from summer heat, visit the American Animal Hospital Association's website at www.healthypet.com.

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