It’s warming up outside! In Texas it’s inevitable that when June arrives the weather gets hotter. There’s no avoiding it other than driving north. Yesterday my husband and I took the dogs on their daily walk around 6 p.m. It was very hot and when we got back all three dogs went straight to the water bowl. After a good long drink they laid down on the cool tile in the kitchen, back legs splayed out behind them like a frog in mid hop. They panted rapidly for awhile. We knew then it was time to switch to our summer walking schedule.

Hot weather can make us all uncomfortable, and it poses special risks for our dogs. Keep the following safety concerns in mind as the temperature rises, and follow some of these tips to keep your dog cool.

If your dog stays outdoors make sure that he has a nice shady spot to rest. He’ll probably try to dig a hole in the shade to lie in because the cool earth will help to keep his temperature down. A dog house is not a cool place for a dog during summer days because they trap heat. You might also consider filling a child’s wading pool with fresh water for your dog to cool off in, but remember to change the water daily.

Many dogs die every summer because they are left in the car on a hot day. Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a car can rise to over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes.

Always provide plenty of cool, fresh drinking water and keep their bowls and water bottles clean. Stale water can grow bacteria and if other wildlife drink or bathe in it gastro-intestinal parasites can be passed on to your dog.

Avoid strenuous exercise on extremely hot days. Take walks in the early mornings or late evenings, when the sun's heat is less intense.

Try to avoid prolonged exposure to hot asphalt or sand which can burn your dog’s paw pads.

If your dog has long, thick hair you may want to shave it off. He may look funny for awhile but he’ll feel a lot better. Be careful though if he’s light skinned. You can even apply sun block to the lighter areas when necessary.

If you have your own pool, make sure your dog knows where the stairs or ladder are located. Be sure that pool covers are firmly in place; dogs have been known to slip in under openings in the covers and drown. If you do let your dog swim in your pool, never leave him unattended.

If you’re taking your dog on vacation with you, keep him cool in the car by putting icepacks in his crate. Make sure the crate is well ventilated. Also, put a sunshade on your car windows.

Bring along fresh water and a bowl, and a tarp or tent so you can set up a shady spot when you stop. Keep a spray bottle filled with water to spritz on your dog to cool him down.

Be aware that if you’re traveling in an RV or Motor Home your dog's safety should not depend on the air conditioning and generator systems. These devices can malfunction with tragic results. If you leave your dog in an RV with the generator running, check it often or have a neighbor monitor it. Some manufacturers have devices that will notify you if the generator should malfunction.

Summer is the time for the whole family, including our dogs, to enjoy the outdoors. Just be sure to always take the proper precautions to ensure that your pooch stays healthy, safe and cool during the warm weather. Just imagine having to walk around in a fur coat all summer! It’s up to you to do everything possible to keep your dog comfortable during these hot and humid months.