Turn your hot dog into a chilly dog Published July 20, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Kathryn Stilwell 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- When summertime comes around, people generally find ways to cool down by going to the pool or the beach, or enjoying a cold beverage. However, with the onslaught of recent heat waves, it is not as easy as chasing down the ice-cream man for our four-legged counterparts to beat the heat. Just like humans, pets are susceptible to overheating, dehydration and sunburns. The good news is that all of these are preventable by taking a few precautions. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, symptoms of overheating are drooling, excessive panting, difficulty breathing, mild weakness, increased heart rate, and seizures. To prevent these symptoms, animals should be kept inside an air-conditioned room to stay cool. If an air-conditioned room is not available, look for a shady place for your pet to escape the sun especially if they are outside for any length of time, and they should be kept away from hot pavement that can burn the sensitive paw pads. Dogs and cats need access to plenty of water in order to prevent dehydration. "Always make sure the pet is hydrated," said Spc. Hector Velasquez, animal care specialist with the Dover Air Force Base, Del., veterinary clinic. "If the pet lies around the house, just leave out a bowl of water, and if exercising, increase the intake of water for such activity." Sunscreen is also an option if a pet is exposed to the sun for a long period of time; for dogs that are light colored, and have short hair and pale skin, it can be applied on ears, stomach and around the head. "During these hot conditions, just watch out for your pet because they might get heat-related health problems. [Be alert] for bright red lips, weakness, rapid pulse, panting and discolored urine," said Velasquez.