SAVANNAH, Ga. () — From Forsyth Park to Tybee Island, Savannah offers endless outdoor spots where you can take your pets with you.

Just like adults can feel overwhelmed on a hot day, animals can too.

With the hottest days of the year approaching, ensuring the safety of our furry companions might seem overwhelming. Here are some tips and guidance to help you get ready:

• Knowing the symptoms of overheating in pets can be the difference between life and death. Some of these symptoms include heavy panting, increased heart rate, excessive drooling and mild weakness. Other serious symptoms could include seizures, vomiting or bloody diarrhea.
• Know that pugs and persian cats have higher chances of a heat stroke. Breeds with flat faces cannot pant effectively as they are often overweight and are prone to heart and lung diseases. If your pet has a flat face, it’s better to keep them cool at home.
• Do not shave your dog. If you shave your head, you will feel immediate relief, but shaving your pet’s mane can make oveheating and sunburns more likely.
• Carrying fresh water is the easiest trick in the book! Bonus points if it’s cool water.
• Avoid hot surfaces when walking your dog. Asphalt can get over 20-degrees hotter than the air temperature. Postponing that walk to sunset could be a better idea to avoid burns.
• Lastly, never leave your animals inside of a car. Even in the winter, temperatures can reach dangerous levels.

Follow these tricks to have a safe and fun summer with your furry friends.