1. Car Heat: Avoid heat exhaustion and don’t leave your pet alone in the car. During warm weather, the inside of your car can reach 120° in a matter of minutes, even if you're parked in the shade.

2. Let the Fur Fly: Dogs with extremely thick or long fur should be trimmed during the hot summer months. Regular use of a FURminator Deshedding Tool can remove tremendous amounts of undercoat hair.

3. Creative Cooling: Cooling Mats are great for dogs that are kept outside or if you do not have air conditioning in your home. Water filled cooling mats are safe and easy to use. Or try our Swamp CoolerT cooling vest for dogs.

4. Water: Provide plenty of water and shade for your pets so they can stay cool. Be aware that water will vaporize on extremely hot days. Collapsible Water Bowls and Gulpy Water Bottles are convenient portable water sources for your pet.

5. Exercise at Dusk & Dawn: Pets need exercise but on very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws. Protective Boots are a good way to protect paws from hot pavement.

6. Avoid Sunburn: Pets can get sunburned too, and your pet may require sunscreen on his or her nose and ear tips. Especially pets with light-colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

Heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.

What to do: Move the animal into the shade or an air-conditioned area. Apply ice packs or cold towels to her head, neck, and chest or immerse them in cool (not cold) water. Let them drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. Take them directly to a veterinarian.

Have a pet safety tip you'd like to share?
Email us at bark@muttropolis.com.

Cooling mats:

Gulpy Water Bottle: