As Krista Hughes enjoyed a backyard barbecue with friends on a hot Southern California day, she thought nothing of it when her boyfriends brother started kicking around a ball for a game of canine soccer with her enthusiastic Australian Cattle Dog mix, Max. But as time went on, her 4-year-old dogs breathing grew labored.

He was panting really heavily, Hughes recalls. I realized he was in trouble. I immediately hosed him down with cool water and got him in the shade. We brought a fan out, too. He cooled off and was fine, but it scared me. Since then, she says, I just keep a closer eye on him when other people are playing with him.

Consider that the first tip for protecting your dog from summer heat. Here are others for what to do -- and what not to do.

Pick up this month's issue of Dog Fancy for the full story.

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