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MOLINE, Ill. — The dog days of summer are just about behind us, but, we'll likely still see a few more hot and humid days before summer officially comes to an end on September 1st. So, it's not too late to answer this question from Beverly in Rock Falls, Illinois.

On those warmer days or any day for that matter, you've likely witnessed your dog companion sitting next to the HVAC vent on the floor, or, enjoying the nice breeze from a fan. Are they really getting any relief in doing this? Not really, according to experts with the American Kennel Club. 

When it comes to cooling down body temperature, humans and dogs utilize two totally different methods. 

Our bodies have a natural process that involves sweat and evaporation. As our body heats up, whether it be from working out or it just being an overly warm and humid day outside, our skin begins to sweat. That sweat then evaporates and leaves behind a cooler surface temperature on our skin. 

A fan or light breeze simply enhances the evaporation process by moving the air around, making it feel slightly cooler to us. 

Dogs, however, can't utilize the sweat and evaporation process nearly as efficiently as humans can. Remember, they are covered in fur which acts as an insulator. 

Dogs do sweat through their paw pads and you'll likely notice this on the warmer days. However, the majority of their heat removal process involves panting. 

When dogs panting increases, they evaporate moisture from their tongues, nasal passages, and the lining of their lungs helping to cool them down as air passes over the moist tissue. 

So, in this case, a fan would not help cool them down. Like riding in a car with the window down, dogs simply just enjoy the exhilaration or thrill factor of the rushing air around them. 

Some signs to watch for when it comes to heat and your dog that could mean heatstroke is imminent: 

You should immediately take your dog to your veterinarian as soon as its temperature reaches 103°F or higher. Specialized treatment including fluids, medication, and oxygen may be needed at this point to avoid long-term complications. 

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