Carol Frederick calls it the "guilts."

These pangs of pet indebtedness lead to bizarre, desperate behavior. Like the lady who locks her dogs in her car with the air conditioner running.

"I have a friend who does that," says the Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, dog trainer. "You need two sets of keys."

Talk about potential for disaster.

As heat bears down on sweltering cities, it behooves pet owners to be smart about their best friends. Frederick has seven of them, Belgian sheepdogs — Maverick, Scarlett, Angel, Primo, Keeper, Buddy and Honey. Their black color makes them extra vulnerable.

"I don't take them in the car. It's too hot," she says succinctly.

Cars and pets can be a deadly combination. Vehicles quickly become infernos, trapping thermonuclear heat inside. Do not yield to the pleading eyes of your ride-loving pooches. They cannot comprehend the peril that awaits them.

Uncounted dogs die of heatstroke every year, despite the plethora of warnings issued by the media. This is a gut-wrenching loss for otherwise well-meaning individuals. They not only lose their dogs but also face the bitter reality that the fatality could have been prevented if the dogs were left at home to guard the couch.

Dogs are more susceptible to overheating than people, says the Humane Society of the United States. They were engineered to conserve heat, ideal in winter. But with sweat glands only on their noses and pads, they can't cool off efficiently. "Dogs don't have pores like people do," said Frederick.

An overheated dog can suffer brain and organ damage in 15 minutes. Short-nosed breeds like pugs and bulldogs are even more vulnerable. Older, infirm, stressed, and chubby dogs and puppies are especially vulnerable to heat-related stress.

Temperatures that are not uncomfortable for you still can be life-threatening to a pooch. It doesn't matter if the windows are partly open or you parked in the shade.

Signs of heat stress are glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, restlessness, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, labored breathing, panting, pale gums and/or unresponsiveness.

If your dogs show signs of heatstroke, cool them down gradually, said Frederick. "Put water on their tummy and feet. Don't use ice, that can be too big of a shock. If their gums are pale and the dogs are unresponsive, get them to a vet."

Shade, water and rest are the triple crowns of the dog days of summer. Lean on them readily.

SUMMER IDEAS

Here are some ideas for summer safety, whether you are indoors or out.