It's summertime, and the living is miserable.

If you want relief from oppressive heat and humidity, think of how your fur-coat-clad best friend feels. So where can you take a hot hound to cool off?

Algiers Beach in Gulfside City Park on Sanibel Island was just named one of the top eight dog beaches in the country by VetStreet.com, a commercial and educational website. It was the only Florida beach named to the list, though like most dog beaches you are required to keep your pooch on a leash at all times.

"There are so many things here that are accessible to dogs and dog owners," says Lee Rose of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau. "We have several hotel properties that accept dogs, and more and more restaurants are welcoming them as well."

Great if you don't mind driving to Sanibel.

If you're looking for something closer to Orlando, there are other choices.

Lake Baldwin Park

The place formerly known as Fleet Peeples Park isn't a true beach in the sand and surf sense. But it one of the rare places among Central Florida parks where dogs can swim. You'll find doggy drinking fountains, a dog-wash area and a fenced small-dog area.

Most days you'll also find Winter Park retiree Wesley Hunt and her two 9-year-old rescues, a golden retriever and Brittany spaniel mix. "My dogs love the water," she says. "I think the park is a real treasure."

Smyrna Dunes Park

Read this article:

Best beaches for dogs? Here are several