April showers bring May flowers, but June, July, and August bring some seriously high temperatures. It turns out that we’re not the only ones feeling the heat; your pets are too. Keep your pets cool and safe in the summer months with these tips.

Your pets depend on you to care to for their needs. Proper food, water, and shelter are absolutely needed for the proper care of your pet. Of those three necessities, water is the most crucial when the temperatures start rising. Make sure that your pets are getting plenty of water when it’s hot outside. Shelter is also very important and a nice, shady spot for your pets to lie in, along with lots of water, can prevent dehydration and heatstroke.

Another key to preventing dehydration and heatstroke in pets is identifying the symptoms. Signs of dehydration include increased heart rate, drooling, excessive panting, mild weakness, seizures, and a body temperature of over 104 degrees. Learning to spot the symptoms can alert you to potential problems before they get out of hand.

Although it is already insanely hot outside, it’s even more scorching inside your car. As a pet owner, it is important to know that you must never leave your animal in the car. According to the vice president of the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, Dr. Louise Murray, “parked cars, even with windows open, become very hot in a short amount of time, and this can lead to heatstroke or death.” Within minutes, the temperature of a car can reach 130 degrees on a particularly hot day.

Even If you follow these tips, it is impossible to be 100% safe. The summer weather can have unpredictable effects on everyone. In the case of a pet emergency, make sure you head to the nearest veterinary office or, if your usual place is closed, an emergency veterinary clinic. Emergency veterinary clinics are open 24/7, so there’s no worry about whether they will be closed or not.

By keeping a close eye on your animals and following the tips, your pets will be safe, happy, and cool. Happy summer!