Always make sure that your pet has fresh water that’s kept out of the sun! If the weather gets too hot, you can even add some ice so the water stays cool for much longer.

Take your dog swimming or hose them with water on hot days.

During the hot season, it’s best to walk your dog first thing in the morning or during/after the sunset. Also, have some water for them with you every time.

Check your pets for ticks and fleas. Look into purchasing a pet-safe bug spray if you see any trouble on the way – before it’s too late!

Don’t take your pets to crowded summer events. “I can never comprehend why people insist on having their dogs with them at events such as parades and carnivals,” said Wisconsin veterinarian Dr. T.J. Dunn. “Dogs don’t care about arts and crafts, parades or carnivals. So why subject the animals to the heat and excitement of these human activities?”

During summer, the pavement can get so hot it can actually burn your pet’s paws! Make sure to walk your dog on grass or dirt to avoid that.

Groom your pet properly and ensure they are free of mats.

While your pets are outside, make sure they always have access to shade if they get too hot.

Sunscreen can be used on pets depending on the location of the sensitive skin. Use care in picking the product as cats and dogs are prone to licking themselves and should not ingest most lotions.

If you have a rabbit, keep it in the shade almost all day long. In the wild, rabbits spend the hottest part of the day in their underground burrows where it’s cool.

Above all, never leave your dog in the car, even with the windows open. Despite massive exposure regarding this topic, the No. 1 cause of heat stroke in dogs remains being left in a hot locked car. “Always be conscious of the effects of heat buildup in a vehicle, because it takes only a few minutes for the internal heat to increase forty degrees or more above the outside air temperature… especially in direct sunlight,” Dunn said.