Summer is right around the corner, which means the blistering heat isn’t too far behind. And if you’re a pet parent, summer brings a mix of fun and potential hazards that we need to be aware of. Here are eight safety tips to protect your pet this summer.

Keep your furry friend hydrated.

Just like humans, pets need to drink a lot of water to maintain healthy bodies. On top of that, pets can become dehydrated really quickly — even quicker than humans. So when that summer heat kicks in, make sure your furry friend has enough water to hydrate and keep cool.

Avoid midday heat.

During the summer, most people like to spend time outdoors. But when that midday heat rolls around, it can be really dangerous for pets to be outside.

Midday heat typically occurs between 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. so try to schedule walks and playtime when it’s cooler out, like early morning or late evening.

Of course, if your schedule doesn’t permit, and you have to go out during the midday heat, try to keep the walk really short, take breaks when needed, and walk in shaded areas whenever you can.

Never leave your pet in the car.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, hundreds of animals are left in parked cars by their owners each year, leading to disaster.

While it can be tempting to leave your pet in the car while you run into the store, doing so is dangerous. When left in the sun, cars heat up super fast, even if you crack a window before you leave.

Letting your car babysit your pet is a big no-no, even if only for a minute. So the next time you have to run errands, leave your pets at home.

Protect their paws.

If walking on hot pavement can burn your feet, the same can be said for your pet’s paws. So before you leave, check how hot the ground is with the back of your hand. If it’s too hot for you, it’s more than likely too hot for them, too.

A lot of pet parents buy pet booties to protect their pet’s paws. But if this isn’t your thing, you can always just stick to walking on the grassy areas to keep cool.

Watch out for sunburn.

Did you know pets can get sunburned? This is particularly true for pets with short or light-colored fur where the sun can easily penetrate.

When you apply your sunscreen, don’t forget to apply a little pet-friendly sunscreen to your pet, too.

Monitor them during social gatherings.

Cookouts are commonplace for the summer, but what’s also common are the bones, greasy foods, and certain barbecue ingredients that can be harmful to your pets. When hosting a backyard barbecue, pay attention to what your pets are up to to keep them from ingesting items that aren’t good for them.

Be mindful of water safety.

Many pets love to swim, but contrary to popular belief, not every pet can. Keep your fur friend safe by keeping an eye on them around pools, lakes, or the ocean. For even better peace of mind, consider investing in a pet life jacket if your pet isn’t the best swimmer.

Pro Tip: Chlorine and salt can irritate your pet’s skin. So after they’ve come out of the water, be sure to rinse them off with clean water to prevent skin irritation.

Know the signs of heatstroke.

Heatstroke doesn’t just happen to humans, it can happen to animals, too. Because of this, it’s important to know the signs before they happen. They include:

• Excessive panting
• Drooling
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Uncoordinated movements

If you think your pet is overheating, get them out of the heat to a cooler space, and contact your vet ASAP.