Hussain al Nowais lives in Philadelphia, and he can attest to the fact that it gets very hot during summer. As we head into August, the temperatures can easily get over 90 degrees and 100 degree days are not out of the question. While you make an effort to keep cook, just remember to take care of your dog and make sure they’re not exposed to the heat either. Your dog won’t be able to tell you that he or she is overheated. It’s up to you to make sure that your dog is protected in the summer. Here are a few tips to help you take care of your dog:

Never Leave Your Dog in the Car: Not even for a second as you go in to pick up a cup of coffee.That cup of coffee may take ten or fifteen minutes if there’s a line. Even a few minutes of exposure could cause your dog to overheat.

Make Sure Your Dog Has Enough Water: Remember to keep a full bowl of water with your dog at all times. If it’s a really warm day, put a few ice cubes in his or her bowl.

Keep the Dog off of Asphalt in the Middle of the Day: Asphalt can be very hot in afternoon. So hot in fact that it can burn your dog’s paws. Keep the dog off asphalt and only walk him or her when it’s cooler outside, like at night or the early morning.

If the Dog Does Need to Be Outside, Provide Him or Her with Access to Shade.

Have Your Dog’s Fur Groomed If He or She Is Long-haired:  Consult your veterinarian to make sure it makes sense for your dog’s coat shaved or trimmed.

As the summer heats up, Hussain al Nowais wants you to remember to take care of you and your pets. If you are hot, it’s very likely that your dog is even hotter.