Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your furry friends, but warmer weather brings specific risks. Stay prepared with these essential warm-weather tips:

1. Schedule a Summer Checkup
Start the season with a vet visit to ensure your pets are up to date on heartworm prevention and overall health.

2. Beat the Heat
Always provide fresh water and shade. Avoid intense exercise in the heat, and keep pets indoors on extremely hot days.

3. Know the Signs of Overheating
Watch for excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or collapse. Pets with flat faces, senior pets, and those with health conditions are especially vulnerable.

4. Never Leave Pets in Cars
Even with the windows cracked, a parked car can quickly become deadly. It’s also illegal in many states.

5. Practice Poolside Safety
Supervise pets near water, provide life vests for boat outings, and rinse them off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt.

6. Secure Your Home
Keep unscreened windows closed and make sure screens are secure to prevent accidental falls.

7. Grooming Tips
Trim long hair, but never shave your dog. Coats help regulate body temperature. Use only pet-safe sunscreen and insect repellent.

8. Protect Sensitive Paws
Hot pavement can burn paw pads. Walk your dog during cooler hours and avoid prolonged exposure to asphalt.

9. Use Lawn Products with Care
Keep pets off treated lawns until products are dry. Store fertilizers and citronella products out of reach.

10. Watch What They Eat
Stick to your pet’s regular diet. Keep alcohol, fatty foods, and garbage out of reach, and clean up spills right away.

11. Be Firework Safe
Keep pets indoors during fireworks. The noise can frighten them and lead to injury or escape. Never let them near lit or unused fireworks.

12. Know Your Plants
Identify plants in your yard, many can be toxic. Supervise your pets outdoors to prevent accidental nibbling.

By taking a few simple precautions, you can help your pets stay safe and comfortable all summer long.

Tips adapted from the experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.