by Rachel Brougham

Created on: May 13, 2009   Last Updated: July 11, 2010

Summertime means more outdoor activities including picnics, hiking, and spending time around the pool. But as temperatures soar, pet owners need to make sure that their furry friends have what they need to get through the dog days of summer. Dogs and cats can suffer from the same heat related problems their owners do, such as dehydration and overheating. There are some simple precautions you can take to make sure your four legged friends are safe this summer season.

First, never leave your pet inside your parked vehicle. Even with the windows open, the temperature in your car can soar in a matter of minutes. It's usually best to leave your pet at home if you're out running errands and can't take your pet inside.

Make sure your pet has access to fresh, cold water. Pets can easily become dehydrated without proper fluids. Be sure to have a water bowl accessible to your pet at all times.

The best time for your pet to get exercise and playtime is in the early morning or evening hours when the temperatures are a bit cooler. But if it's extremely humid outside, keeping your pet inside for playtime is the best option. And when the temperature is very high, never let your cat or dog stand on hot asphalt which can burn their paw pads.

If your pet spends most of their time outdoors, be sure that they have plenty of shade, fresh water, and make sure you check on them often.

Fleas, ticks and heartworm spread quickly in the warm weather. Be sure to check your pet after time outdoors, and schedule an appointment with your vet to make sure your pet is protected.

Older and overweight animals can be especially sensitive to hot weather. Breeds such as bulldogs and pugs, and any animal with heart or lung problems should be kept in a cool spot inside the house as much as possible.

Keep your pets groomed during the warmer months. Shaving hair to one inch length on dogs can help prevent overheating. Cats should be brushed often. However, don't shave your pets bald since this could cause injuries to the skin surface.

Never leave pets unsupervised around a pool or lake. Not all dogs are good swimmers, so you should make sure you go slowly when introducing your pet to water.

If your pet shows signs of overheating, such as excessive panting, drooling and tiredness, call your vet right away. You should also place a cool wet towel over your pet, or place him in a cool bath. However, do not use ice because it may cause skin injuries. Spraying cool water from the garden hose also works well in a pinch.

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