It's officially summer, and the heat is here, so here are some tips for those hot days.

Your dogs should be indoors while it's hot, but if they will be outside for a few hours, make sure they have a cool place to lie. To keep them cool, water down the porch and wet an area in the shaded portion of the yard. Wet an old towel or sheet, wring it out, and pop it in your freezer. When it's chilled (you don't have to wait for it to freeze), spread it out as an optional place for your dog to lie. A raised bed on the porch allows air to flow beneath it to keep them cool. (They're also great for dogs with arthritis to keep the weight off their joints.) You could also put a cooling mat out for them to lay on. Also, be sure to keep your dog brushed; mats hold extra body heat,

On these hot days, get up extra early to take your dog for a walk. If you are planning a walk during the heat of the day, check out cooling vests. Soak an evaporative cooling vest in water before placing it on your dog. You can also purchase cooling bandanas. Another cheap alternative is to tuck a few ice cubes in a bandana, fold it up, and then tie it around your dog's neck, where they slowly melt. You'll also find commercial bandanas specially made for your dog; like the homemade cooling bandanas, you soak the bandana and wring out the extra moisture. Carry water on your walks, and make sure your dog always has a big supply of fresh, cool water at home, too. If you're concerned that your dog isn't drinking enough, make that water more tempting by adding ice cubes, bits of chicken breast, or a frozen treat.

Have you ever gone barefoot on hot pavement? It's painful and can cause blisters on your feet…and the same can happen to your dog's paw pads. So be extra careful on the sidewalks.

Never leave your dog in the car.
Never. Ever. Think you'll leave the AC running while you run in for that quick errand? If your engine fails, your dog will die. Please leave your dog at home.

Inexpensive children's pools make great dog swimming pools! Your dog will love it! Summer is a great time for fun with your dog, but heatstroke is a real risk to you both. Plan your day, take it slowly, and make sure the memories you create this season are good ones!