This veterinarian-approved cooling mat will help prevent your dog from overheating this summer

The summertime sun encourages so many fun adventures like hikes, long walks around a new part of town, or exploring local farmer’s markets and festivals. For pet owners, all of these outdoor activities are perfect for bringing along a furry friend. But it’s important to keep in mind how the heat can impact a dog.

After all, some pups such as huskies and German shepherds weren’t bred for hot climates in states like California or Florida, so the heat can be especially tough for them to handle. According to Evan Antin, a veterinarian and host of Animal Planet’s “Evan Goes Wild,” keeping your dog’s wellbeing in mind during the summer months is especially important.

“Avoid taking your dog out during the hottest days,” he said, explaining that some flat-faced breeds like pugs and bulldogs are especially prone to heat strokes in extremely hot weather.

Typically, smaller dogs are able to cool down faster (since there’s a lot less of them to cool), Antin noted, but it’s important to look for heat-related symptoms with any dog on a hot day.

Antin says some signs of potential pet heat-related issues that you can look out for include: uncontrollable panting, visible dizziness, and looking dazed. If you are worried your dog might be suffering from a heat stroke, take your pet immediately to a veterinarian, he advises.

But, if your pup is hot and recovering normally from a summertime adventure, things like putting ice cubes in water, or making sure to pack a portable dog dish of water can help keep them cool. Antin also says specific cooling pet products can work very well.

Dog cooling mats are safely made to do the trick — and they’re surprisingly easy to use.

Mats like the Ownpets Gel Pad are created with cooling gels that are activated when pressure is applied. The mat can get down to 42 degrees cooler than the environment where it’s placed. These qualities can prevent a dog from overheating or getting dehydrated by helping to regulate body temperature.

You don’t have to worry about the mat getting chewed up either. It’s 100 percent non-toxic, made from FDA-approved, scratch-resistant materials and designed to withstand a bit of roughhousing.

There are tons of different sizes made to perfectly fit any kind of pup. Antin recommends measuring your dog from snout to tail and getting something around that length to ensure it’s the right size.

By this point, you’re probably wondering if there is a human equivalent to the cooling mat. There is — and it’s a color that can perfectly match your dog’s. Nothing like cooling off after a long day alongside your best friend.

Shop it: Ownpets Pet Self Cooling Gel Pad Cooling Mat, $28, walmart.com

The editors at Yahoo Lifestyle are committed to finding you the best products at the best prices. At times, we may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page.

Shop other pet-cooling mats, available in various sizes, below.

Go Pet Club Pet Cooling Gel Pad

Shop it: $29 to $49, walmart.com

The Green Pet Shop Self Cooling Pet Pad

Shop it: $40 to $80, walmart.com

isYoung Pet Cooling Mat Cold Pad

Shop it: $16, walmart.com

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