Many people love spending the long, warm days of summer outside with our canine companions, but being outside without the proper precautions in hot weather can be dangerous for our pets.

Here are some of our top tips for keeping your pup cool in the heat:

• Adjust your walking routine
  Aim to go for walks either early in the morning, or later at night when it’s cooler. If you do choose to walk during the day, remember to check the temperature of the pavement. A good rule of thumb is that if it’s too hot for you to walk on it comfortably in bare feet, then it’s too hot for your puppy’s paws!
• Provide lots of fresh, cool water
  Dogs can get dehydrated quickly, and it is therefore important to ensure there is always water easily accessible. Remember to take some on the go with you, even for just short walks.
• Provide cool surfaces to lie on
  A cool, damp towel is an inexpensive and easy solution.
• Reduce the amount of walking and exercise
  Even though it is tempting to keep our little ones’ routine the same, their safety is more important. Providing activities indoors such as puzzle feeders or long lasting lick toys will help to keep them calm and occupied.
• Provide water playtime
  Try setting up a sprinkler or kiddie pool (preferably in the shade) to let them play in while supervised.
• Prevent sunburn
  Did you know that dogs can get sunburnt too? Those more prone are those with no hair, with white or thin coats, and dogs with light pigmented noses and eyelids. Applying a pet safe sunscreen or keeping them indoors is best.