The hot weather has arrived, and while we may love to bask in the sun, your pets wear a fur coat all year. They can become over heated quickly in the summer heat. In this edition of Pet Pointers, Lisa Chelenza, has some hot weather safety tips to help keep your pet cool.

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If your pets like to be outside, make sure they have shade and access to fresh water even for a short time in extreme heat. For dogs that love the outdoors, try a cooling collar or special cooling bandana available at pet supply stores for extra warm days.

Leaving your pet in the car is an absolute no-no. Even in the shade with the windows open, your car can become like an oven and deadly, reaching temperatures over 100 degrees in a few short minutes! And it doesn’t take long for a pet to succumb to that kind of heat, especially if they are very young, very old, or have a health issue.

If you notice excessive panting or disorientation in any pet, move them to a cooler place into the shade and get them some water to drink. Pour cool, not cold, water over the back of their neck. If they continue to pant heavily, vomit, or go limp, get to your vet or vet emergency hospital as soon as possible.

When it’s time for a walk, try to get out before 10 a.m. or in the evening to avoid overheating. If you have ever walked barefoot on the sidewalk, you know how absolutely scorching pavement can be. Take your dog where they can walk on grass beside you. Hot pavement can burn your dog’s paw pads.

It’s also important to bring along water for you and your pet any time of day. And take special care with snub nosed breeds like a pug, as they are known to have breathing issues, especially when it gets hot and humid.

Your indoor pets can also be at risk from the summer heat. Fish, reptiles, and birds should never be placed in direct sunlight close to a window in summer or winter. Exotic pets can be very sensitive to temperature changes.

To help keep your house cooler for your pets, keep blinds and curtains down. Also remember to have fresh cool water for them, especially on very hot days.