As we head into warmer temperatures, there are some safety reminders to be aware of to keep your pets from succumbing to the heat.

Veterinarian Dr. Mark Peters with Jefferson Veterinary Clinic says when it’s really hot outside, always keep your pets inside where it’s cooler. However, if pets have to be outdoors, Dr. Peters reminds pet owners of some simple ways to keep them from overheating.

“Cool, clean water all the time. If we need to change that 3-4 times a day, we need to do that. Shade, we need to be in a shady spot. No houses, things like that (or) sheds where they go in because it can get just as hot in a shed as it will in your car. They need cool, outside shade and even go as far as you go to Walmart or whatever and get one of those little $10 kiddie pools and fill that up halfway with water. A lot of dogs will get in there and even if they don’t lay down, they’ll stand in it and drink, and have a good time there.”

Dr. Peters adds dogs can get hypothermia if they become overheated, panting frequently and fall over unexpectedly. He says if that happens to contact your veterinarian immediately.