5 tips to keep your pet safe — and comfortable — in extreme heat

Luna the French Bulldog dressed up for the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, DC, on July 4th. (Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

As oppressive heat continues to blanket much of the U.S., it's especially crucial to take precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones — furry friends included.

Heat waves can pose the same kinds of risks to animals as they do to humans, says Michael San Filippo, a spokesperson for the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).