MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - With temperatures on the rise in the summer months, man's best friend needs a little help from their owners to keep cool and avoid heat stroke. Here are some helpful tips to keep your dog from overheating:

1.Never leave your dog waiting in the car, even if the windows are rolled down

2. Make sure water is always available to them to help with hydration

3. If taking your dog on a walk, try to do so in the morning or at night, and avoid potentially hot surfaces like asphalt that can scald the bottom of your dog's paws.

4. Even if there are plenty of shady places for them to sit or lay under, never leave your dog outside for extended periods of time.