When it’s hot outside, keep Fido off the scorching asphalt and concrete. Not only will he burn his paws, but contact with hot surfaces may also lead to unhealthy body overheating. Look out for the following warning signs when you’re out walking together on a sunny day:

• Limping or avoiding walking
• Licking or chewing his feet
• Paw pads are darker than usual
• Pads are visibly damaged or show blisters/redness

Opt for walks on grass or buy your dog a soothing and protective paw balm (like Musher’s Secret Paw Wax) or all-weather, neoprene reflective booties (like these from Bark Brite) to beat the heat.

Provide plenty of water and shade for your pet while you’re outdoors. Always have a collapsible water bowl (bonus points if they conveniently attach to your leash) and water to keep your hound’s thirst quenched. Watch for these signs of a dehydrated pup:

• Lethargy
• Labored breathing
• Elevated heart rate
• Dry nose
• Dry or sticky gums
• Panting

Don’t assume that just because he can doggy paddle, Fido is a good swimmer. Whenever you’re planning a pet-friendly aquatic adventure, put a life vest (like this one from Outward Hound) on your pup. Never leave your dog unattended around a swimming pool, either.

This may be a no-brainer, but never leave your dog in a parked car. Even if it doesn’t feel that hot outside, the temperature inside the car can rise to a deadly level in an alarmingly fast amount of time. Tesla has solved this problem with its ingenious “Dog Mode” feature, but most vehicles aren’t designed to keep pups safe when you’re not there.

Summer holidays like Memorial Day or the 4th of July are synonymous with the dreaded “F” word: fireworks! Whether you’re traveling or at home for the festivities, make sure your dog is wearing his collar with ID tags and keep him inside. Even in a secure, fenced-in yard, he will find ways to escape and run off if he is spooked by loud noises. Close your pup in an interior room, have white noise like the TV or radio playing in the background, and distract him with a long-lasting treat like a peanut butter-stuffed KONG toy or a meaty bone. Putting a Thundershirt on your dog has also been proven to help with anxiety from sudden, loud noises like fireworks.

Summer and outdoor barbecues go hand in hand. However, the foods and alcoholic drinks at a cookout can be dangerous or too rich for a dog’s delicate digestive system. Don’t let your pup eat any of these popular barbecue goodies:

• Ribs and chicken wings (or any meat with bones that can splinter or be a choking hazard)
• Onions
• Corn on the cob
• Anything made with garlic
• Chocolate desserts
• Grapes

Ask your guests not to feed Fido any scraps (so you can monitor what he eats and prevent overfeeding) and supervise any little ones who may be tempted to share their meal. Include your dog in the foodie fun by grilling up a hamburger just for him with this easy-to-make recipe.

If your furry friend has a long, thick coat, get him a new, shorter ‘do for summer. Just be sure to keep his hair longer than one inch to prevent sunburn and overheating. You can learn some at-home grooming tips here if you want to DIY.

Canines can get sunburnt, too. Apply pet-specific sunscreen like Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray before going out in the sun. Since human sunscreen contains zinc oxide, you’ll need to keep it away from your pup because it’s toxic for dogs.

Have fun outside with your pup in the early morning or evening, when it's cooler. Avoiding the sweltering midday hours helps prevent dehydration and overheating. If you have to be out and about during the hottest part of the day, keep your canine shaded by a dog tent or umbrella. And always have a supply of water available for Fido to drink.

Keep your four-legged friends flea- and tick-free during the peak months for these pests. You can find a wide range of products and tips in our guide to surviving flea and tick season.