First of all, never leave your dog unattended in a hot car. It might be tempting to run a quick errand with Fido in the back seat, but remember that the temperature inside a car can heat up to nearly 120 degrees within minutes! Even with the window cracked, it can be an uncomfortable or even dangerous experience for your pet. Essentially you are intentionally putting your dog in a super hot oven. Recently, stores and restaurants in some cities are becoming more aware of this problem. Some establishments now allow you to tie your dog outside while you shop or offer patio seating, where your pooch can relax with a cold bowl of water while you eat. If you can’t bring your dog into the store with you or tie him up outside, consider leaving him at home while you run your errands.

Another hidden danger of summer is the high level of lawn fertilizer. Be careful when walking your dog around the neighborhood, and be vigilant for signs on grass stating that the area has recently been fertilized. Those fertilizer pellets often look like little morsels of goodness to dogs, but if they’re ingested, they can cause your pup to get violently ill. Smaller breeds are especially susceptible to serious complications. Keep a close watch as you walk your dog this summer and keep him away from the fertilizer. It is also a good idea to do some research on which plants are blooming during the summer months and make sure that your dog is not tempted to sample some of the summer blooms, as some of the flowering plants in different neighborhoods may be toxic as well.

A year-round problem that becomes especially problematic in the summer is the scourge of fleas and ticks. This problem is usually easy to handle, however. Make sure that your dog has the latest preventative medicine for fleas and ticks and they should be able to avoid a serious problem. Certain topical medications against fleas and ticks are waterproof, but it’s a good idea to double-check to see if you’ll need to reapply after a bath or swim.

Pools can be great fun for a dog during the summer. The pool water can feel refreshing for your dog and the allure of the water can be irresistible. Pool areas can be dangerous for dogs, however, as the pool deck can get to dangerously high temperatures. If you are going to bring your dog to the pool, make sure that there is a shaded area where your dog can get out of the sun and do your job by providing plenty of easily accessible drinking water.

Finally, it is important to give your dog plenty of exercise during the warmer months. Just be smart about it and walk your dog during the cool of the morning or evening. This will ensure cooler temperatures and help avoid exhaustion and overheating. Consider giving your pooch a trim in the summer if he’s got a big fluffy coat to help him stay cool.