In Arizona, the forecast is predicting temps to be as high as 115 degrees today - the start of what will likely be a very long, very hot summer. Those lucky enough to have a job and unlucky enough to have a destructive dog, can't necessarily leave their pup stay indoors, unattended all day. So, what's a pet parent to do during the dog days of summer? Here are five alternatives to leaving your pet outdoors.

1.   Doggy daycare: if you can afford it, this is an optimal solution. You drop your dogs off on the way to work, pick them up on the way home. Your pet will spend the day sleeping, playing and making new friends - all in air-conditioned comfort under the watchful eye of professional pet care providers. Doggy Daycare ranges from $15-$25/day.

2.  Unemployed neighbor: if you can't afford daycare, consider asking a neighbor who works from home or might be temporarily unemployed to keep an eye on your pets. There are a lot of people looking for a job, but until they find one, they may be willing to help you out with your dog in exchange for a few dollars. Ask them to let your pets into your house during the hottest part of the day (11 am - 4 pm depending on where you live). Invite them to stick around and watch a movie to ensure there is no doggy destruction. If you don't feel comfortable asking someone into your home, take the dog to them. Be sure your neighbor is someone you trust and if you want to verify that they are being cared for properly, consider buying an Eyenimal camera, a TAGG unit, a nanny cam, and/or setting up a virtual network to ensure your pets are properly cared for.

3.    Set up safe zone. If you have a doggy door, set up a safe zone for your pet. That is an area here your pet can enter the air conditioning without destroying the house.  A large crate set up on the interior that the dog enters when coming indoors will help preserve your home.

4.    Provide exterior assistance. Provide a doggy pool (a wading pool), mist system, plenty of fresh, cool water that is replenished automatically throughout the day, and also consider the following:

• Cool pet pad - cooling pet mats keep pets off the hot ground and cushioned
• FrostyBowlz - to keep water cool during the day
• Shade - be sure to provide a shady spot that is safe from ants and insects
• Dig a hole - your pet will probably dig a hole in the yard to stay cool. You may want to help them out by getting the hard ground started for them under the cooling shade of a tree or dog house. That way, you also retain control of where holes are dug.

5.    Take your pet to work: if you are lucky enough to work in a pet-friendly environment, take your pet to work. Its a great way to socialize your pet. The business benefits of having pets in the workplace have been shown to increase productivity, decrease stress, and tend to promote social behavior which also results in more teamwork and better quality work. If you don't work in a facility that regularly allows pets, ask them if they would consider a change during excessive heat days.

There are many ways that you can help your pets beat the heat. Keep your pets well-groomed, provide them with plenty of water and a wading pool, ensure that they have plenty of shade, install a misting system, and ask for help. After all, it takes a village...

Every species of animal can be effected by the heat, so be sure to check out these other informative articles on keeping your pets cool during the long, hot summer:

• Heat Stroke in Pets
• PetsGeekly: Must-have gadgets for pet lovers
• Emergency First Aid for Cats
• Top 5 Summer Health Concerns for Pets
• Healthy Hiking with Your Pets
• Dogs That Overdo It