In just over a month and a half, the Animal Emergency Center of the Quad Cities has seen 7 dogs become a victim of heat stroke. Only one survived.
Roberta Milas from City Line Veterinary Center in Moline, IL says that's because heat takes a toll on our pets much faster than we think.
"When we get these high temperatures and high humidity they aren't able to cool themselves down and their temperatures can rise very fast," says Milas.
"When the temperature reaches 80 degrees, limit the duration and intensity of exercise. In the summer months it's best to do their exercise early in the morning or later in the evening when it cools down," added Milas.
That's why Suzanne Bissell, her family and their dog, Dory, hit the Crow Creek Dog Park in Bettendorf, IA early Friday, June 17, 2016 to beat the heat.
"There is a nice breeze and the shade under this tree and there is water stations too so you can get your dog some water," says Bissell.
Experts say the first signs of heat exhaustion in pets are excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, change in gum color and vomiting. If your pet experiences these symptoms, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.