As excessive heat continues through the end of the weekend, we need to stay hydrated and cool, and so do our pets. Pets can not always tell you how they feel. It's up to pet owners to watch for signs of dehydration and keep their furry friends hydrated. 

Animals need a certain amount of water to stay hydrated during the day, and on extremely hot days, they need even more. The heavier the animal, the more water it needs.

If animals do not receive the appropriate amount of water, keep an eye on their behavior to tell if they are dehydrated. 

Signs that indicate dehydration include:

Dogs cannot sweat, and they regulate their body temperature by panting. Good ways to cool off a dog include wetting its paws and wiping its fur down with a wet cloth. Walk your pet in the morning or evening, and know that if the concrete or blacktop is too hot for your bare feet, then it is too hot for your dog's paws as well.