Summer is almost upon us and there are plenty of ways you and your pets can beat the heat.

According to staff with the Animal Care Centre of Strathmore, it's vital to make sure your four-legged friends stay cool during the hot weather.

Tips include:

  • Give them plenty of fresh water to drink.
  • Add ice cubes to their drinking dish to keep it cool.
  • Test how hot the pavement is before walking your pets.
  • Provide cooling treats.
  • Give them shade and shelter.
  • Have pets dive into a doggie pool, lake or river for a swim.

If you do bring your furry friends outside, watch out for bodies of water that appear to be affected by blue-green algae blooms.

Staff with the centre say the blooms are toxic to pets if ingested.