Veterinarians are reminding pet owners to avoid excessive exercise and never leave pets in your car as scorching temperatures grip Connecticut.

It comes after the East Haven Animal Shelter reported that a dog died Tuesday night after it was found locked in a car.

"I don't even recommend leaving your dogs in the car with the air conditioning on when weather's like this. I just don't think cars run low enough for it to be safe for them," says Dr. Kelley Harpin, a veterinarian at VCA Shoreline.

She says there's no amount of time that it's OK to leave your animals unattended in a vehicle.

"Leave them home. They'll be safe there," she says.

Harpin says dogs' bodies don't have the same tools ours do for dealing with heat - they don't sweat, therefore they can only evaporate heat from panting.

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"The dogs that we worry the most about are going to be our smushy face dogs, so the really cute ones that everyone loves; the bull dogs, the Boston terriers, the pugs, those kinds of things," she says.

She says even a long walk or a marathon game of catch could be too much with temperatures over 90 degrees and recommends swimming to keep your pet cool.

Symptoms of canine heatstroke include excessive panting, wobbly legs and unresponsiveness.

Harpin says if your dog is showing any of those, it's time to call the doctor. She says just like for people, hydration is important for dogs.

If you plan to go out for a walk in the hot weather, a water bottle and bowl are essential.