Everyone knows that the summer heat can take a toll on our bodies. We put on sunscreen, drink water to stay hydrated and find air conditioning when the heat index rises. Not only should we be careful about protecting ourselves and our loved ones, but we also shouldn’t forget our furry friends. When the temperatures climb, take these steps to ensure your pet’s safety.

Keep pets in shady areas and keep them hydrated. Your pet can quickly come down with a bad case of heat stroke since they have a limited ability to cool off by sweating. To keep them cool, abstain from vigorous exercise that can lead to dehydration. Walk and play with your dog in the morning or evening hours. On extremely hot days, play it safe and keep your furry friends indoors.

Never leave a pet alone in a car. Temperatures rise quickly in a vehicle. Although your dog enjoys coming along for the ride, never jeopardize their safety. If you plan to make any stops, leave your pet at home. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Groom your pet. Many people believe that shaving their pet will help them stay cool, but there are many reasons not to. Remember that their fur protects them from things like getting sunburn and biting insects.

Supervise your pet around pools. If your dog isn’t a good swimmer, make sure he or she is wearing a life jacket. After swimming, rinse your pet to wash off the chlorine and other chemicals that could harm them.

Look for parasites. Ticks, fleas, mosquitoes and other insects are at their peak in the summer months. Protect your pet by using collars, sprays and other products, and be sure to keep up with preventative heart worm medication year round.