INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Central Indiana is under a heat advisory until Thursday, mix that with humidity and it can feel like 105 degrees. Extreme heat can be especially fatal to dogs.

Dr. Laura Smith, a veterinarian at City Way Animal Clinics, has vital tips for keeping your fur baby safe.

First, she recommends keeping walks short.

“They shouldn’t be out for very long,” Smith said. “1-10 minutes maximum. You can have your walks be at the early part of the day, or if its really hot towards the evening, to avoid the middle of the day type of areas.”

Animal experts suggest avoiding peak heat hours between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. She says booties aren’t required for dog pads if the walks are 10 minutes or less.

Smith also suggests keeping your eye on your pet throughout the day and make sure they have enough water. Bulldogs are especially susceptible to heat because of their flat-face anatomy.

Smith said symptoms for heatstroke include: Excessive panting, not breathing well, and the inability for the dog to get back up. If the dog’s temperature is above 103 degrees, she recommends taking them to a hospital.

“While you’re getting them there you can take towels and have water on them, not cold, not hot, but lukewarm water and wrap them around it and that helps give off the heat.”

Smith doesn’t recommend giving ice to or putting ice on dogs who are experiencing heatstroke because the rapid drop in temperature is dangerous.

And for dogs who live outside, Smith recommends “having plenty of shade and have a dog house to go to so they can get out of the heat, plenty of water, and to frequently check on them.”

Leaving dogs in hot cars is another factor that could lead to heat strokes or even death. Smith doesn’t recommend leaving dogs in vehicles unattended because temperatures can rise quickly.

Call Indianapolis Animal Care Services or the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department if you see a dog in distress.

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