Summer is here, and with temperatures already soaring, and people and pets spending more time outdoors, it's time to "summerize" your pet care routine to ensure your pets' safety.

Warm weather poses a variety of hazards to companion animals. St. Hubert's offers these hot weather tips:

• LEAVING YOUR PETS IN A PARKED CAR CAN BE A DEADLY MISTAKE—On a warm day, your car can heat up like a furnace (up to 120 degrees or more) in a matter of minutes—even with windows partially open. Every year countless numbers of animals suffer brain damage, heatstroke and even death because their owners are unaware of how quickly a stationary vehicle can heat up. Pets cool themselves by panting, so it is easy to understand how breathing hot air can lead to serious problems. And parking your vehicle in the shade does not fully protect your pets because the sun shifts during the day. Play it safe—on hot days, leave your pets at home.
  Act quickly if you spot a pet in distress inside a parked car. Contact your local police, SPCA or animal shelter for assistance, and check with establishments nearby to see if the owner can be located.
• PLENTY OF FRESH WATER IS CRITICAL—Cool, fresh water for your pets is always important, but even more so during the summer. Check your pet's water bowl frequently as excessive heat warms water and increases thirst, causing pets to drink more than in mild weather. Evaporation will also deplete a water source. Offer your pets a few bowls in case one gets tipped over. Pets spending time outdoors should also have ample shade to protect them from the blazing sun. Whenever possible, bring your cat or dog inside during the heat of the day.
• THE FOURTH IS NO FUN FOR PETS—The Fourth of July may be a fun holiday for people, but it can be terrifying to pets. Exploding fireworks can cause your pet to hide and cower in fear. Some distressed pets try to escape the noise by jumping through screens and over fences, becoming lost or falling victim to holiday pranks. Don't take dogs to fireworks displays, and before you leave, make sure your animal companions are confined indoors, in a quiet, familiar area. And be certain your pet is wearing an i.d. tag—or some other form of identification—in the event that he does escape in the commotion.
• INSECTS CARRY THREATENING DISEASES—Ticks, mosquitos and fleas are more than just a nuisance during the summer months. Carefully check your pets' coats daily for ticks—which can carry Lyme Disease—and fleas which can transmit tapeworms. A mosquito's bite can be more than just uncomfortable—it can transmit heartworm larvae. Consult your veterinarian about the Lyme Disease vaccine and effective methods for preventing flea infestation and heartworm.
• EXERCISE TIPS—Exercise is healthy for your pets, but altering your fitness regimen to avoid the heat of the day is advised. Play with your pets in the cool of the morning or evening, and never after a meal or in extreme heat. Hot asphalt can burn the pads of your dog's feet so walk with your best friend during the cooler times of the day.
• NEVER ALLOW DOGS TO RIDE UNSECURED IN THE BACK OF PICKUP TRUCKS—Dogs can't "hold on" the way people do and any sudden stop or turn could hurl your pet onto the highway and into oncoming traffic. Dogs can easily burn the pads of their feet on a hot metal floor and eyes and ears can be injured by flying debris. Pets are precious cargo and should ride inside the cab along with the driver. If this is not possible, place your pet inside a crate and tie it securely to walls of the truck bed.

The warning signs of heatstroke include: heavy panting, glazed eyes or anxious expression, rapid pulse, dizziness, vomiting. If your pet shows any of these signs, lower his body temperature immediately by moving him to a shaded area and cooling him with water. Either immerse your pet or spray him thoroughly with a hose. Never use ice. Call your veterinarian immediately.

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