Locally owned Goettl Air Conditioning advises valley residents to plan ahead to keep their pets safe this summer.
 
Here are some helpful tips.
 
1. Paws off the pavement. Cement, asphalt, and even truck beds can be hotter than they look. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends trying to stay off hot surfaces during the summer as they can burn your pet’s paws. If you can’t hold the back of your hand to sidewalk for 10 seconds without feeling the heat, consider moving your walks to the morning or late evening.

2. It’s screen time. Pets with short, light colored coats are especially susceptible to sunburn. To beat the heat, apply a pet-safe sunscreen to your pet’s ears and nose 30 minutes before outdoor activity.

3. Get groomed. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends keeping your pet’s properly groomed to provide better circulation and temperature relation. Ask your veterinarian the best cut for your pets.

4. Make way for water. Because your pets can’t sweat like you do, it’s harder for them to keep cool during the summer. The Humane Society of the United States recommends ensuring that your pets have access to fresh, cool water and shady places during the summer. Also, keep an eye out for dehydration while they are outside.

5. Splish-Splash! Doggie pools let your pets keep cool and play with at the same time. A pool can be a pooch’s new favorite toy.

6. Garage dangers. Summer heat can cause antifreeze to leak from overheating cars, leaving sweet-tasting puddles that can harm pets. If your car leaks, keep your pets away from the mess. Some fertilizers and garden products can also imperil your pet’s health. Keep them up and out of your pet’s reach.