Picture yourself on a sweltering summer day wearing a long winter coat.

Are you hot yet? Itchy? Thirsty?

Are you desperately looking around for shade?

Now picture your pets on that same summer day.

And you’ll have some idea of how THEY feel.

Protecting them from the sun above them, the air around them and the ground beneath them is essential to keeping them safe outside this season.

All it requires is common sense and a think-ahead plan.

These are some suggestions:

Have a professional groomer give your dog, particularly those with thick layers of fur or dense, curly coats, a short summer haircut.

Guard against sunburn, especially in short-haired, hairless and light-coloured dogs, by applying either a children’s SPF 45 sunblock or a specifically formulated animal sunscreen to the tips of your dog’s ears, the bridge of the nose and the belly.

Whether on a porch, patio or lawn, create a shaded area using planters or shrubbery.

Put out a table with a large umbrella in the centre or lay an opened beach umbrella on its side.

Set up a makeshift canopy using a blanket draped over the tops of two chairs.

Limit your dog’s outdoor exercise. Plan your walks for the early morning or when the sun begins to set. If the day’s particularly hot and humid, skip your walks altogether.

As a light activity, turn on a garden sprinkler and let your dog run through it.

Set out a small wading pool and encourage your dog to lie there while you monitor him closely.

Keep your dog’s water bowl filled, cool and free of floating debris such as leaves and insects.

Avoid the hot asphalt of sidewalks and streets, which can quickly burn the pads of your dog’s paws. Test the intensity of the heat by placing the back of your hand to the pavement. If you can’t keep it there for seven seconds, then it’s too hot for your dog. Doggie booties or paw balm can act as a partial barrier, but, when possible, walk your dog on the grass instead.

Never leave your dog unattended in the car. Whether in the shade with the windows cracked or with the motor running and the air conditioning on, your car can, within minutes, become a pet’s deathtrap.

Watch your dog carefully for signs of heat exhaustion. Because dogs don’t sweat, their only way of cooling down is by panting or releasing heat through their paws.

Warning signs include: exaggerated panting, excessive salivation, a vacant expression, restlessness or listlessness, trembling and skin that’s hot to the touch.

If your dog’s exhibiting any of these signs, get him into the shade as quickly as possible. Give him cool water to drink and either hose him down, cover him with cool, damp cloths or put him in a bathtub filled with cool water.

If your dog’s condition worsens, seek immediate medical attention.

To be a responsible pet owner is to be an informed pet owner. The list of safety rules may seem long, but the hot days of summer are even longer.