As the trend of hot weather continues, shelter workers are reminding people of the importance of keeping their pets safe from heat-related illnesses.

“There are so many things you need to be aware of to make sure your pet's safe,” said Gina Lattuca, chief communications officer at the SPCA Serving Erie County.

Dogs cannot sweat in the same way humans can, so in order to cool off, they pant, which is easier for some breeds than others. Breeds with short snouts like pugs and boxers have a harder time, according to the American Kennel Club. In the event a dog cannot cool itself down, owners may notice symptoms such as:

• Excessive panting
• Excessive drooling
• Bright red gums and tongue
• Rapid heart rate
• Lethargy
• Collapse

If this happens:

• Move the dog to a cool, well-ventilated area
• Use cool but not cold water to cool down their underside
• Do not immerse them in cold water
• If you have a rectal thermometer and it reads 103 degrees, it’s time to take them to the emergency vet

The best thing to do is prevent overheating altogether by limiting time outdoors in the heat, choosing cooler times of the day to exercise and play and never leaving your dog in the car in the heat.

When it comes to venturing out into large crowds, Lattuca recommends people reconsider.

“It might be fun to spend quality time with my animal at a festival or maybe at a fireworks display. [It's] not always great for the animals," she said. "The animals are surrounded by unusual scents, different people [and] unusual surroundings — these are things that can stress an animal out.”