Our pets love summer just as much as we do!

It's a great time of year to be out enjoying all that the season has to offer, from picnics to hikes, swimming, running, or just enjoying a nap in the backyard with your best canine friend.

But, warm weather can be dangerous for our pets. It's hard for pets to keep cool when the sun is beating down, and that's because animals don't sweat like people do. Dogs cool themselves through panting, and they also sweat through their paws. When there is only hot air for a dog to breathe, it's a lot harder for that dog to keep cool. Our feline friends tolerate the heat a little better than dogs but that doesn't mean that you should forget about your cat this summer! Listed below are some important summer safety tips for dogs and cats:

Never, Ever Leave Your Pet In A Hot Car.

It can take MINUTES - for a pet to develop heat stroke and suffocate in a car. Most people don't realize how hot it gets in parked cars add Alabama humidity to the equation and you've got a fatal disaster on your hands. On a 78 degree day, for instance, temperatures in a car can reach 90 degrees in the shade and top 160 degrees if parked directly in the sun! Your best bet is to leave your pet home on warm days or find a doggie daycare program for your pet while you run your errands.

Keep The Paws In Mind.

When the sun is cooking, surfaces like asphalt or metal can get extremely hot! Try to keep your pet off of hot asphalt; not only can it burn paws, but it can also increase body temperature and lead to overheating. Also, it's not a good idea to drive your dog around in the bed of a truck - the hot metal can burn paws quickly (and they can fall out or be injured or killed in an accident).

Your Pet Should Always Have Access To Fresh Water And Shade.

Our pets, especially dogs, get much thirstier than we do when they get hot, and other than panting and drinking, they really have no way to cool themselves down. Also, get your pet in the shade as often as possible. While dogs and cats like to sunbathe, direct sunlight can overheat them (especially dogs) and cause heatstroke.

Just Because Dogs Instinctively Know How To Swim Doesn't Mean They're Good Swimmers.

If they jump in your swimming pool, they might not be able to get out without help and could easily drown. Make sure your dog can't get into your swimming pool without you around. And if that's not possible, make sure he can get out using the pool steps or ladder on his own. This may require you spending extra time showing him how to get out of your pool.

Believe It Or Not, Dogs Can Sunburn, Especially Those With Short Or Light-colored Coats.

And just like for people, sunburns can be painful for a dog and overexposure to the sun can lead to skin cancer. Talk to your veterinarian about sunscreens for your pet (don't assume a sunscreen for people is appropriate for your dog).

If You Can't Trust Your Dogs 100% To Come When Called, Keep Him On A Leash.

Summertime means all sorts of exciting sights, scents, critters running around, and new and exciting places to explore. You never want to lose your pet because he she became distracted in an unfamiliar environment and was lost or harmed in an accident. Remember, not every dog is meant to be off-leash; some dogs just can never be fully trusted to come when called. Make sure you understand your dog's tendencies and err on the side of being overly-cautious.

And perhaps most important, pay attention to your dog and cat - you'll know when they seem uncomfortable. Summer can be a great time to spend with your dog or cat, but it's important to keep these tips in mind as the days grow longer!

As always, make sure you talk with your veterinarian about any questions or concerns you have about your pets in warm summer weather.