CEDAR FALLS - Heat. Dirty water. Critters.

For Ty, a big yellow lab, these are all signs that summer officially has arrived.

On a recent morning, the playful 70-pounder splashed in a fresh water bowl at Paw Park to keep cool. His companion for the morning, Callie, a 4-month-old retriever mix, worked doggedly to get her paws in the bowl, too.

As their owners watched, the dogs alternately played in the grass and the water bowl. Chad Smith, a veterinarian with Taylor Veterinary, said it was the perfect setup for a canine in hot weather.

Heat is a dog's worst enemy in the summer, Smith said.

"One thing we don't want to see is heat stroke, especially for dogs housed outside," he said. "That's a really big concern. Make sure there is access to plenty of water when outside, and there should be some kind of shade."

Austin Javellana, Ty's owner, said his hefty pooch is taken for walks during the morning and evening hours when temps are lower. That's the way to go, Smith said.

Also, if owners and dogs hit the road for a long walk, water should be a part of the travel package.

"Taking walks, dogs can get overheated pretty easily," Smith said.

Some breeds overheat more quickly. Dogs with shorter noses and flat faces - such as pugs and bulldogs - are more prone to heat-related problems.

Also, if a dog is overweight or extra furry, heat troubles could be around the next corner.

"Dogs with really long fur overheat quicker," Smith said.

One way to combat that is regular grooming. Terry Johnston, owner of Johnston's Grooming, gets lots of requests to clip dogs shorter during the summer. For dogs with a single coat, a close crop is a good idea.

"We'll trim their stomachs shorter, so they can really feel it when they lay on cool surfaces," Johnston said.

But for double-coated dogs - like shelties and collies - it's best to just get a trim.

"A lot of people want them shaved, but it's better not to," said Johnston. "Cool air gets trapped between the coats and acts as insulation from the heat."

For Ty, the best heat buster is a quick dip in the lake at George Wyth State Park. The yellow lab takes to the water like a fish. Problem is, when he emerges from his swim, sometimes he smells a little fishy, too.

"We take him home and give him a bath," Javellana said.

That's a smart move since bacteria can lurk in standing water.

"The biggest thing is to watch out for stagnant ponds," said Smith. "They are breeding grounds for bacteria. A good rule of thumb is as long you'd go swimming there, it's OK for your dog. And I definitely would hose your dog off when you get home."

Bacteria aren't the only critters that can latch on to a canine. Warmer weather also means the hatching of ticks, fleas and mosquitoes.

"We've been seeing quite a few ticks," Johnston said.

Dogs can be safe from ticks and fleas with a monthly topical preventive. While those preventives can be purchased at discount retailers, the ones available at veterinary clinics contain stronger formulas, Smith said.

For the most part, there is no mosquito preventive for dogs, but it is imperative that a dog be immunized against heartworms, which are transmitted by mosquitoes.

Owners should never spray mosquito repellent directly on a dog, but if they plan to take the family Fido into a heavily wooded area, they can spray a small amount of repellent in their hands and then rub it across the dog's coat, said Smith.

"It will be just enough to help repel mosquitoes a little bit," he said.

Contact Meta Hemenway-Forbes at (319) 291-1483 or meta.hemenway-forbes@wcfcourier.com.