The first extended heatwave of the summer is upon and based on information coming from weather professionals, there's sure to be an abundance of heat this summer.

As we cope with the heat, Second Chance for Pets is sending out a reminder pets need protection from the heat as well. Heather Wantland says if you are hot, your pet is likely hot so much sure they have at least some shade and cold water to drink.

If you encounter a dog you suspect to be in distress to contact local authorities to do a wellness check. She says it doesn't take long for a pet to overheat and become distressed.

If a pet is an outside pet, Wantland encourages checking on that pet at least three or four times through the heat of the day and providing it with ice water. Water, even in shade, can quickly become warm.

While many enjoy running errands with a pet in the car, Wantland encourages when it is oppressively hot like it will be throughout the summer, to simply leave the animals at home. She says even leaving a car running, a dog can bump the climate control dashboard and turn the air conditioning off or the car could turn off.