With temperatures once again in the 90s and possible heat index of 100 this weekend, there are some safety reminders for those who have dogs.

Dr. Mark Peters is a veterinarian with the Jefferson Veterinary Clinic and he recommends keeping dogs inside when it gets that hot. However, he urges those who have to keep their pet outside to provide shade and fresh water.

“And I don’t mean a doghouse of shade, I mean an open air shade. Just a doghouse and sitting out in the sun is not shade. It’s hotter in there and it’s just about like being in a car. I always tell people if you really want to know what your dog feels like go crawl in that doghouse and sit there for five minutes and see what they feel like.”

Dr. Peters notes that since dogs can’t dissipate heat from their bodies like humans can, they need a shady spot with a breeze. He encourages dog owners to refill their pet’s outdoor water dish 2-3 times per day to constantly give them fresh water when they are outside.