Next week marks the official start of fall. The American Kennel Club offers a few simple ways to tend to your pup’s coat and paws after months in the hot summer sun.

4 Scorched paw pads. Your dog’s paws may have experienced summer heat hazards such as hot sand, scorching sidewalks and sticky asphalt, leaving him to start off autumn with dry, chapped, cracked or even injured paw pads. To repair them, rub some petroleum jelly on his pads, then give him a chew toy to distract him until it soaks in.

4 Pollen residue. If your allergies seem to be lasting longer than usual, pollen might be making its way into the house on your dog’s coat. Many dogs also have pollen allergies, which typically manifest as skin rashes. Give your dog a good bath to help minimize pollen in the house and its effects on both you and your dog. Use a gentle, hypoallergenic, dog-friendly shampoo and rinse well.

4 Sun-bleached coat. If your dog’s jet-black, deep-brown, or rich-red coat looks faded and fried, don’t worry, the damage isn’t permanent. Those bleached hairs will eventually fall out and your dog’s deep, rich color will grow back in. Make sure to bathe and brush your dog regularly to speed up the process.

4 Prevent fleas and ticks. Just because summer is over doesn’t mean that you should discontinue your dog’s flea and tick prevention. Fleas and ticks are capable of thriving in cold environments, so it’s just as important to stay on top of your dog’s treatment all year long.