Summer in Maryland with a large working dog

The Maryland Department of Emergency Management summer pet tips tells owners never to leave a pet in a car when traveling or running errands. Its its hot-car and exercise guidance says pets left in hot cars, even briefly, can suffer heat exhaustion, heat stroke and brain damage and can die, and recommends limiting exercise to early morning or evening on very hot days, with extra care for older dogs, short-nosed dogs and those with thick coats.

1. Walk at dawn or at dusk.
2. Keep water and shade available all day.
3. Skip errands that mean parking.
4. Watch older or heavy-coated dogs closely.
5. Locate your nearest emergency vet.

A professional should say how the dog copes with heat and humidity and what rest it requires. Be suspicious of any dog described as immune to weather.