Summer is quickly approaching, which means more quality time to spend with your dog: there are parks to explore, green grass to run on, and lazy days relaxing in the shade. Family Pet Center in Cincinnati, OH offers pet supplies, dog boarding, animal hospital services, dog obedience school, and grooming—everything to meet all your pet care needs and make the dog days of summer the best days of the year!

As the days get warmer, keep these tips in mind to ensure your dog is safe and healthy:

• Start by giving your pup a fresh new haircut for the season. Family Pet Center has a dog groomer on hand to trim nails and give your furry friend a short, clean haircut to stay cool for the summer.
• Fresh air and shade are very important in high heat and humidity. Never leave your dog locked in a car, which can become dangerously hot in minutes. Make sure your dog has an area of shade to rest in, under a tree or a tarp.
• Cold water is vital. If it is especially hot, you can even put ice cubes in your dog's water bowl to keep it nice and chilled.
• Watch out for hot pavement and too much activity. Walks on concrete can burn a dog's foot pads, and too much activity can lead to overheating. Keep walks short and go to grassy areas when possible.
• Keep your dog supervised in hot weather. Watch for signs of heat stroke, which include heavy breathing, glazed eyes, fever, dizziness, and lack of coordination. If you are traveling or won’t be home for a long day, consider dog boarding services. Family Pet Center offers dog day care for short-term stays and has a full service dog kennel for longer stays.

For more pet care tips, visit Family Pet Center where their experienced staff will be happy to offer you assistance with everything from dog food to obedience classes with their expert dog trainer. Call them at (513) 231-7387, or visit their website for more information.