The term "man's best friend" in reference to a dog is beyond cliché. However, who else is going to be by your side come the next pool party when you find yourself pre-wax and post- ten extra pounds? But you already know this, as the camaraderie you share with your canine is the most functional relationship you've had in years (not that we're judging - too much). Like any love connection, it's natural to want to nurture your partner -- or pooch. For this reason we turned to celebrity dog trainer Jennifer McCarthy (no, not Jim Carrey's girlfriend, though she's disciplined the pet detective's pups too) to learn her summer safety tips:

1. Always keep water accessible and available to keep your dog properly hydrated.
2. Provide lots of shade and/or a cool place for your dog to stay when you are not with them.
3. NEVER leave your dog in a parked car, even with the windows down.
4. Pay attention for any skin allergies or hot spots that could develop from a change in climate.
5. If it is too hot to exercise during the day, take walks before sunrise or in the evening.
6. Let your dog participate in a cooler exercises like swimming. Know your breed - some will sink, not swim, such as bulldogs.
7. Look for any signs of overheating, such as a bright red or purple tongue, dizziness, loss of coordination, profuse panting, diarrhea or vomiting, a high temperature (your dog's temperature should not exceed 106 degrees Fahrenheit), glassy eyes, drooling or coma.
8. Purchase a "cooling pad" for your dog to lie down on.
9. Make chicken broth ice cubes as a special warm-weather treat.
10. Provide a kiddie pool in the shade or spray misters that your dog can use to cool off.

Hopefully, with these guidelines you can continue to hit Runyon without little Rover feeling so ruff (couldn't resist, sorry) after.

Jennifer McCarthy: World Class Dog Training
www.jmdogtraining.com
310-890-2811