Summer is here and that means we’ve packed away our heavy coats for the season. However, our four-legged friends aren’t so lucky. They can’t just shed their fur to beat the heat.

Although being covered in fur helps dogs and cats survive cold New England winters, being covered by fur makes it tough for them to manage the dog days of summer, according to Douglas Aspros, DVM and president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

“Both dogs and cats dissipate heat by panting [and] as they get overheated, they pant more quickly trying to maintain a safe internal temperature,” according to Aspros.

Here are five tips to help your furry family members stay cool this summer: Read more →