Five ways to get your dog ready for summer

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Monday, June 22, 2015, 9:34 AM - Summer will be here before you know it. And when it comes, it's important to make sure your best friend is ready. Here are five tips.

5. Avoid overheating.

Some breeds tolerate the heat better than others, but all dogs can get too hot during the scorching summer months. Try to limit exercise during the hottest times of the day and never leave your dog in a hot car unattended, not even for a minute. Cars can get hot quickly and that can have fatal consequences.

4. Take a trip to the doggy spa

Summer is a great time to get your dog trimmed and ready for the season. A good bath and brush will help shake off the remainder of your pooch's winter coat. If your breed has long hair, a trim will help keep your pup comfortable when the temperature heats up.

3. Top up vaccinations

Your dog will be spending more time outdoors, elevating the risk of exposure to ticks, fleas and germs. Make sure he or she is up-to-date on vaccinations and has a good flea collar (or flea medication).

2. Keep Fido hydrated

It's important to have fresh water available for your dog all year round, but it's especially critical when the temperature is hot. Throw a few ice cubes in your dog’s water bowl to change things up. There’s an old internet myth that ice cubes can cause harmful canine bloating, but it’s long ago been debunked. Still, ice not advisable for puppies who risk choking, and keep it to just a few.

1. Keep it shady

Make sure your yard has lots of shade to relax in — and check on your pet regularly when he or she is outside.