Please keep in mind that our little furbabies with the shorter muzzles can't tolerate our extreme summer heat. They should be walked early or late in the day, and shouldn't be left outside in the heat alone. Be sure to have fresh cool water available at all times in the house and patio area, and carry a water bottle on walks.  Don't let them walk on asphault or cement during the heat of the day, as their paws can be burned. Shih Tzu, Lhasas, and our other furry mixes are meant to be indoor dogs and love the air conditioning during the summer. If you turn your air conditioning thermostat up a little when you go to work, it is a good idea to leave fans on for a cooling effect. Access to stone, tile, or concrete floors is another way for the furbabies to stay cool or cool down. If you see any signs of heat stroke, get your dog immediate medical care, as it can be extremely serious! Many dogs don't survive a heat stroke, but can survive if given timely medical care. For more information on signs of a heat stroke and what action to take if you suspect your dog has heat exhaustion, go to:  http://dogs.about.com/od/dogandpuppyhealth/qt/heatstroke.htm