We're all enjoying the warmer weather. It means longer days, more time outside and a great excuse to go swimming or enjoy a cold drink. But what about our furry friends? They can quickly overheat if you don’t take the proper steps.

Luckily, protecting your pets from the heat is pretty simple and we’ve put together a quick reference list to keep your pets happy — and cool — all summer long.

Beat the heat: eight ways to stay cool.

Avoid peak hours The sun is at its hottest and highest in the middle of the day. Try to keep your walks to earlier in the day, before the heat has started, or after dark when the heat should have broken and cool breezes can mitigate the heat.

Get shady Stick to shady spots and trails when walking. You might like sitting in direct sunight, but your furry friend will be happiest in a nice, shady spot where the temperatures can be much cooler.

Stick to the grass Asphalt can get extremely hot extremely quickly in the summer and your dog’s paws aren’t built to withstand such temperatures. Try to keep your walks to grassy areas or pick up a protective pair of shoes to keep them comfortable.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate Keep extra bowls of water within easy access for your pets. If you’re sitting outside in the backyard or a park, make sure to have a water bowl nearby so they can drink whenever they need to.

Make a splash zone Kiddie pools are perfect for pets. Fill one up and encourage your pooch to jump in. You can also run a sprinkler so the whole family can play along.

Make it a beach day Lakeside or riverside, it doesn’t matter. With easy access to water, your pup will have a great time splashing in and out of the waves to cool off and just play. Don’t forget a beach umbrella and a bowl for water! If you’re not near a body of water, head to a grassy park. They’re usually a bit cooler.

Frozen treats are for everyone Fill a Kong with water and freeze it or just grab a couple ice cubes from your freezer. Who said frozen treats were just for people?

When in doubt, chill Sometimes it’s just too hot to go outside. On those days, turn up the air conditioner and stay indoors. If you don’t have A/C, set up a series of fans to get the air moving. It’s okay to skip a walk if it’s truly too hot to go outside.