With summer right around the corner, you're probably going to be spending more time outside with your pup. Whether you're going for a long walk, spending some time at the dog park, or just hanging out at a barbecue, it's always good to make sure your furry friend is being safe in the sun. Here are 5 ways to beat the heat on a summer's day:

Stay Hydrated

It's extremely important to make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water on those hot summer days. Between running around the backyard and the hot sun beating down on his fur coat, your pup needs to cool down, and since he can't sweat, having water readily available for him to lap up before he scurries away again is essential. If you go on a long walk while the temperatures are sky high, make sure to bring a bottle of water and a bowl or cup for your pooch to drink from. They even make collapsible bowls that are perfect for on-the-go!

Ice/Pupsicles

Ice is a quick and easy way to keep your dog cool on those balmy days, but if you want to turn cool down time into treat time, try making a pupsicle! There are a ton of recipes you can find online, but a really simple one would be to just throw a few treats in some low sodium chicken stock and freeze it. It's got more flavor than regular ice, and it's got a surprise inside, too! There are also varieties of doggie-safe ice cream you can try if you're feeling super generous. 

Safety tip: Don't feed your dog ice cream meant for humans unless it is plain vanilla. And always remember to not overfeed since dairy can upset their tummies!

Doggie Pool/ Going Swimming

Not only is providing a doggie swimming pool a great way to cool your dog down on those hot days, but it's also pretty fun for them, too! Look for sturdy plastic pools versus inflatable pools that your dog's nails can easily puncture. Add a few toys and watch as they have a blast wading and splashing through the water. Just make sure you're always supervising your pooch while he plays in the pool. Don't have access to a pool? Sprinklers work great, too!

Find Some Shade

An easy solution to keeping your dog safe and cool on those sizzling summer days is to find a shady spot to rest for a bit. If the shade under the tree isn't cutting it, try setting up camp under an umbrella. The hard part may be getting Fido to lay down longer than a few minutes before he gets excited and wants to play again!

Avoid Going Out at Midday

If you can help it, try not to go out in the early to mid-afternoon. Doing this will ensure that both you and your pup will be out when the sun isn't as high in the sky and therefore the temperature will be a bit cooler. If you have plans that revolve around being outside during these times, make sure you have plenty of water, and, if possible, see if you can leave your dog in the air conditioning for a bit.