Roy Gross, who's chief of the Suffolk County SPCA, says pet owners should never leave their animals unattended in a parked car for any period of time, even with the car windows partially open.
He says temperatures can reach dangerous levels of 120 degrees in just a matter of minutes.
He also warns against letting dogs ride in pick-up truck beds because the hot metal can burn their paws.
Gross says to be alert for signs of heat stress-heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, lack of coordination, vomiting or a deep red or purple tongue.
