The warm summer months can be tough on pets. Keep these tips in mind when the heat is on:

• Please don’t leave your pets alone in parked vehicles. Even with the windows open, a parked car can quickly become a furnace. While the temperature outside may reach up to 80 degrees, the temperature inside your car could reach 120 degrees. This type of overheating can be fatal.
  


• When traveling, carry a thermos filled with fresh, cool water.
  
  
• Don’t force your animal to exercise after a meal in hot, humid weather. Exercise your pet in the cool of the early morning or evening.
  
  
• In extremely hot weather, don’t leave your dog standing on the street, and keep walks to a minimum. Your canine companion is much closer to the hot asphalt and his body can heat up quickly. His paws can burn since shoes do not protect them.
  
  
• If you take your dog with you to the beach make sure you can provide a shaded spot and plenty of fresh water to drink. Be sure to rinse the salt water off your furry friend. And remember dogs can get sunburned too - don’t forget to protect hairless and light-coated dogs with sunscreen.
  
  
• Always provide plenty of shade for an animal staying outside the house. Bring your pet inside during the heat of the day and let them rest in a cool part of your house. Always provide plenty of cool, clean water for your animal.
  
  
• Be sensitive to old and overweight animals in hot weather. Snub-nosed dogs should also be kept indoors as much as possible.
  
  
• A clean coat can help to prevent summer skin problems, so keep your pet well groomed.
  
  
• Take your companion animal to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer checkup. Have the doctor recommend a safe, effective flea and tick control program.
  
  
• Be sure there are no open, unscreened windows or doors through which your animal can fall or jump.
  
  
• If you think your pet is suffering from over exposure to heat, please consult a veterinarian immediately!