With rising temperatures in the Valley, veterinarians say you may want to think twice before leaving your pet in the heat. If you are uncomfortable in the high temperatures, then your pet probably is as well.

Broadway resident Wilfred Miller says, "I would not leave my dog here in hot weather."

Miller says he brings his dogs on the road with him from time to time.

He adds, "I don't think they should leave animals in the car when it gets hot like that, I mean they shouldn't go in places unless they have the air conditioning on."

Dr. Sara Chiaramonte at the Harrisonburg Animal Hospital says, "They really can't handle higher temperatures than we can. Our general rule is if it's too hot for you, then it's probably too hot for them."

Chiaramonte says if your pet's body temperature reaches around 105 degrees, serious problems can occur such as seizures or even a coma.

She adds, "If the body temperature gets too high you can run into problems with organ failure, too."

Miller says, the next time you think about leaving your pet in the car, you should think again.

He says, "That's wrong they shouldn't do that. It's the same as leaving a kid in there."

People at the animal hospital say signs your dog could be experiencing problems with heat are if they are acting lethargic or groggy. Also, you need to check for heavy panting.