In Bermuda's hot and humid weather, animals can easily succumb to heat stroke if they are not protected.

Dogs who are kept on a lead need to be able to reach a large shady area and dogs that are kept in a kennel need a shady area inside the kennel.

Although dog houses seem to be the answer for some, you must remember they too can get very hot inside.

Owners need to spend a little time trying to make sure their canine companions are comfortable in the heat, after all how would you feel if you were stuck outside, in the hot sun and humidity with no refreshments? Not a nice thought huh! Just as we scamper to get cool in the heat of the day, dogs are no different, so if you are not providing them with options and you find a big hole in the ground near where your dog is tied don't blame him because it's your fault.

Dogs dig holes in the ground in search of coolness and the digger they deep the cooler it is for them.

According to Ettrick Animal Hospital's guide for first aid for pets heat stroke can lead to shock, convulsions, brain damage and eventually death.

Listed under causes for heat stroke are: leaving your pet in a hot or unventilated car, cage, room or outside without shade.

Signs of heat stroke are: thick, stringy saliva, panting, noisy respiration, tongue hanging out, collapse or unconsciousness.

If you find that your dogs are experiencing any of these symptoms douse them with cold water especially on the head and stomach. Use a garden hose or place the dog in a bathtub of cold water.

A cold compress to the head will also reduce the chance of brain damage.

SPCA inspector Louis Ray said there are a lot of things people can do to help their animals out.

"First they should make sure their animals have fresh water and shelter.'' "Some people who have dog houses make the mistake of having the back facing the east and the mouth facing the west, the sun rises in the east and at 1 p.m. the sun starts to go over on the west side which causes the sun to shine right in the dog's box -- making it very hot.'' "What people should do is have the mouth to the south and the back to the north -- or the other way around -- so you get the sun sideways and it can't get into the box.'' Mr. Ray also said that people who have a puppy must consistently check to see if the collar is getting too tight as this could irritate your pet more in the heat. It can also choke them.

"We get one or two calls from people who have spotted dogs locked in cars but as long as windows are cracked and the owners are not gone long, the dogs will be all right.

"But there have been a few times where I have had to go with Police to get into a car where the windows are completely shut and the dogs are inside. It seems that some dog owners just don't stop to think.

"A lot of people don't try to make it comfortable for the dogs when it is hot and then the dog starts digging in the earth. When you see that they are looking for coolness. The deeper they dig the cooler it gets,'' Mr. Ray said.

Government dog warden, L. Shinah Simons, said people should also be aware that an area that is shaded in the morning may not be in the afternoon.

"Dogs can get dehydrated and suffer from heat stroke. If no one is there in time to get them to a veterinarian, they can possibly die.

"Also be aware of any type of rash that may develop because heat causes flies which irritate a sore or rash and the animal will scratch more,'' Mr. Simons said.

He added pet owners should also be aware that summer is the perfect climate for fleas to breed.

Dog owners should also remember that August 31 is the last day for you to licence your dogs after which anyone who has not done so will be actively pursued and possibly prosecuted.

"The other thing is that as soon as you obtain a dog you must licence it no matter how old it is,'' Mr. Simons added.

You can obtain your dogs licence at any Post Office.