If you have a dog or cat, especially in our hot, arid desert in central Arizona, it means that water must be available at all times. The water container must not be filled with algae or dirt, and it must be placed in such a manner that the animal cannot knock it over. If your dog must be maintained on a chain (which we don't recommend), one way to keep your dog from knocking over its water bucket with the chain is to dig a hole and sink the bucket in the hole. It doesn't have to be deep, just low enough to not allow the chain to pull it loose and dump the water.

Another great, inexpensive solution is a small, hard-plastic wading pool from a local discount store. You see them everywhere, just like the one shown here that we purchased for $10.00. Parents buy them for their small children. However, they hold LOTS of water and it's impossible for your dog(s) to tip over. If it's really hot, the dog can just climb in and cool off.

Unfortunately, we find too many animals each summer who have fallen victim to heat stroke. Heat in Arizona or any other part of the country kills. The dog below was tangled and could not reach the shade of the trampoline. The shade from the house was not adequate.

When the neighbor realized that the dog was in trouble, she called Animal Control and then went and wet the dog with a hose. However, it was too late for this Rottweiler. It was a case of the owner relying on a child to take care of the dog before the child went to school. There is no substitute for parental supervision when caring for family pets.

When temperatures rise to over 100°, a dog's cooling mechanism is severely compromised if they can't also get into shade. The only method they have for ridding themselves of excess heat is to pant.

Once they begin suffering from heat stroke, without human intervention, it is almost impossible for them to recover.