Summer is now drawing to an end, but this does not mean that we as thoughtful dog owners should relax on our obligation of insuring that our beloved dogs are kept cool during the remaining hot days that are surely to come. As air conditioners are turned down a notch, and the leaves on our garden trees begin to hint of a change in colour, it is to often the case that pet owners let their guard down when it comes to keeping their pets cool and it is at this time of year when veterinarians see a lot of heat stroke cases that could easily be prevented.

The heat of summer has taken its toll on just about everybody, pets included. To often, I've come across an article in the news paper, or opened my internet browser to the MSN home page, only to read about the latest fore-legged victim to succumb to heat stroke.

The fact of the matter is that not enough dog owners take the time to familiarize themselves with common dog ailments. By not familiarizing themselves with things to potentially watch out for, then one can not be expected to recognize a sign or symptim exhibited by their dog even if it was glaringly obvious. To often with family bustle and hustle, the dog is left to fend for himself. Dogs will try very hard to mask any condition or any kind of sickness that they are experiencing, meaning that the chance of their owners realizing that something is wrong is very slim.

If I could make one recommendation to any soon to be dog owner, it would be to take the time to learn about the animal that you are planning on bringing into your home. Once that dog is part of your family, you and the rest of your family are 100% responsible for any, and all aspects of the life of that dog. Your dog can not tell you if it is feeling sick, or needs to go outside, or needs water etc. You as the conscientious dog owner need to familiarize yourself with every known behavior of your dog, so based on the behavior that he/she is exhibiting, you will be able to act accordingly and in the dog's best interest.