Veterinarian and Associate Professor at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Mark Freeman, shared the rules for walking and caring for dogs in extreme heat, reports Medical Xpress. In hot weather, it is recommended to walk dogs only during the coolest hours. If your pet is outside on its own, make sure it has the opportunity to seek shade, access to water, and its bowl is filled with water. According to Freeman, breeds with short muzzles are more susceptible to overheating, as their mouths are too small for effective cooling through heavy breathing. Under no circumstances should you leave an animal in a car on a hot day, even if the windows are slightly open. Even a few minutes can be fatal. If you suspect that your dog may have suffered a heat stroke, watch for the following symptoms: * Sudden weakness or exhaustion* Diarrhea and/or vomiting* Excessive panting* Change in gum color from pink to dark red or purple* Seizures If your dog shows any of these symptoms, it is essential to immediately move it to a shaded area or indoors. Provide your pet with cold water and call a veterinarian.