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August has just started, but the sun is still harshly beating down on Texas. During this time, it's important to keep our pets cool and safe.

KENS 5's Sarah Forgany had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Michele Wright, a veterinarian, to discuss how to help your furry friends handle the hot heat.

With heat comes the threat of sunburns. Preparing and taking action to protect yourself from sunburns doesn't apply to just you, but your canine as well. Wright said there are several ways to eliminate your dog's chances of getting third degree burns.

Instead of walking your dog in the daytime, try the early morning or evening, around 8 or 9 p.m. Also, if the pavement or asphalt is too hot for your feet, it's also too hot for your dog's. Small boots can also be purchased at local pet stores to protect your dog's paws from the hot conditions.

It is also essential to know how to look for signs of heat exhaustion. If your dog is not able to recover as quickly as it usually does after a walk, they will possibly lay down and respond to you less. "Some of them will become unconscious" Wright said. "These are just a few of the signs your pet will show in the midst of heat exhaustion."

If your pet shows these signs, "you need to cool them off with cool water" Wright said "Not ice water. Ice water is the worst thing you can do. Ice water actually causes them to increase their heat inside." She said they need to be taken to a veterinarian to be checked and taken care of.

"Heat is not something to be played with. Fifty percent of animals that walk in the door have a chance of death." Wright said. She also advised not to leave your animals out in the car. Temperatures can rise dramatically within an hour, and has resulted in death in many cases.

Enjoy your summer and time with your furry friends, but also stay alert and pay attention to the temperature before walking them outside or taking them out to the park. Always look for signs of heat exhaustion after playing with your dog and take immediate action if necessary.