Summer is here and it’s time to start thinking about keeping your dog safe in the heat. Dogs, who are furrier than humans, can become overheated very quickly so it’s important to know what to look for and what to do when your dog’s body temperature has risen too high. Here are some tips to help keep your dog safe in the summer months.

Get Up Early for Walks

Early morning walks can be so much fun. The air is crisp, the sun is just coming up and you get to spend time outside and with your dog! Take advantage of those early morning hours and get outside and go for a walk.

Provide Lots of Cool Water

Provide your dog with lots of cool water at all times and take measures to keep the water from becoming stagnant. While many people will provide their dogs with a water bowl, providing enough clean water for your dog often means having a permanent source of drinking water in your home. You can buy a standing or wall-mounted water dispenser for this purpose.

Play in the Water

Going for a swim or running through the sprinklers is a great way to leave your pup cool and happy. Keep in mind, though, that not all dogs know how to swim! Your dog might need a life vest to stay safe in the pool, river, lake, or ocean. And some dogs shouldn’t swim at all, so it’s best to ask your veterinarian before taking the plunge.

Teach Your Dog to Drink From a Water Bottle

Teach your dog to drink from a water bottle with ease. Just place some water or juice into the water bottle, screw in the cap, and watch your dog learn fast! Dogs trust the bottle-like design and quickly realize that it’s just another way to get their favorite treat. The clear plastic lid makes for easy refills and allows you to monitor how much your pup consumes.

Leave Him at Home

Your dog might love going everywhere with you, but keep in mind that when it’s hot out, he might be happier at home. That will help you avoid leaving him in a car that can quickly heat up. On extremely hot days, consider cranking up the air conditioning, especially if your dog has heart or breathing problems or is a flat-faced breed. Another simple way to help your dog stay comfortable is to give him access to rooms in the house that tend to be cooler than others – a cold tile floor, for example, is great for napping on in the summer!