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PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - With temperatures expected to be dangerously hot in the coming days in the Portland metro area, veterinarians are reminding people to be mindful of their pet’s health.

“Most animals that are around here aren’t used to these really hot temperatures,” said Sarah Tauber, a veterinarian at DoveLewis Animal Hospital. “So, they’re not going to handle the heat as well.”

Tauber said she sees more animals during the hotter months coming into the animal hospital, often with conditions related to the heat.

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“If you’re getting warm, your pets getting warm,” Tauber said. “If you’re drinking water, your pet should have water offered to them as well.”

Tauber said animals have a harder time cooling their body temperatures down compared to humans and may show signs of heat stress by drinking water excessively, becoming lethargic or panting.

However, if a pet stops drinking water and panting altogether or becomes unresponsive, she said that’s a far more serious case.

“It can happen quickly, where animals need to seek veterinary attention right away because it can happen very fast,” Tauber said.

Tauber said older dogs, squishy-faced breeds like pugs or bulldogs and animals with pre-existing respiratory problems are most at risk of heat stress.

She said problems relating to heat stress may impact an animal in places one wouldn’t expect.

“If you’re taking a walk on a hot day and you’re not mindful of the temperature of the pavement or the ambient temperature outside,” Tauber said.

She recommended having plenty of water around and keeping pets indoors where it’s cool.

Tauber said heat-related problems aren’t the only things keeping them busy around this time of year, because owners will often bring in pets that are experiencing “discomfort” due to the Fourth of July holiday.

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She said animals may be stressed out or anxious because of the noise associated with the day.

“If that animal is really stressed out at home, they might be hiding or not want to eat,” Tauber said. “They could potentially harm themselves.”

To help animals that are anxious because of the fireworks, she suggested turning up the radio or television, or interacting with your pet by showing them extra love and treats.

“Get their mind of off things as best as possible,” Tauber said.

Tauber said it’s also wise around this time of year to make sure pets have a micro-chip, or are wearing a collar with their owner’s information in case they are spooked by the fireworks and run away.