This past Saturday we had coffee brewing and tails wagging as visitors and their pets joined forces for Awesometown’s anticipated Canines and Coffee event. The family-friendly event brought neighbors together, showcased spectacular Frisbee-catching dog athletes and even gave some lucky canines a chance at that new home they’ve been looking for. Guests and their pets mingled while being treated to free coffee from Newhall Coffee Roasting Company and the local favorite, donuts from S&S, but what really made the event special was the addition of New Leash on Life—their pet adoptions united rescued dogs with pet-seeking visitors, leaving both canines and guests elated. It was great to have them there.

All this talk about fun and pets got us thinking. It can be difficult to fit pet playtime in during the summer heat, but luckily for you, we’ve assembled a list of summer pet safety tips to help you enjoy time in the sun with your furry friends.

1. Never Leave Your Pet in the Car

It’s summer—the time to get out and drive, and this often means bringing your pets in on the fun. But during the heat, your car can easily heat up to temperatures higher than 120° F in only a few minutes, so always make sure to leave your pet in a cool, shaded area—not the car.

2. Always Provide Water

Unlike humans, dogs cannot perspire to reduce body temperature, so it is essential that they have an ample supply of water to drink and to wet themselves with. If your pet’s overheated, try splashing some water on him; this will cool him down quickly and keep him safe from heat stroke.

3. Always Provide Shelter and Shade

Everyone likes to be outside during the summer, but too much time in the sun can be dangerous, especially for a dog. They have thick fur coats that absorb heat, so it is very important that they have shaded areas or shelter where they can find protection from the sun.

4. Beware of Fertilizers, Insecticides and Deadly Plants

With the sun out, it’s the season to garden, which means there are extra fertilizers and insecticides lying around. In addition, there are several hundreds of poisonous plants that thrive in the summer. Be careful to make sure that your canine doesn’t ingest any of these toxic substances.

5. Limit Exercise to Early Mornings and Evenings

Even during hot summer days, pets still need to get their daily play and exercise.  To avoid the intense heat of summer afternoons, try to limit play hours to early mornings and evenings. This way, both you and your pet can avoid the intensity of the sun and enjoy some quality time together.

For more information regarding summer pet safety tips, please visit the Humane Society at their website.