Pet Safety Tips for the Summer

Summer is in full swing, and the season's hot temperatures mean pet owners need to take extra special care of Fido and Fluffy.

Keep your pet safe with these hot weather safety tips courtesy of the ASPCA.

Take your pet to the vet. An early summer check-up can help pet owners with pest and parasite management. Your vet can test your pet for heartworm and recommend a safe flea and tick control program.

Give your pets plenty of water. Make sure your pets have plenty of fresh, clean, cool water, be careful not to over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when temperatures are extremely hot.

Know the warning signs of overheating in pets. The warning signs of overheating in pets include:

• Excessive panting
• Difficulty breathing
• Increased heart and respiratory rate
• Bloody diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Elevated body temperature
• Mild weakness, stupor or collapse

If your pet is exhibiting any of these signs bring them to the vet immediately.

Never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle. Leaving your pet in a car can cause heat stroke, which could lead to death. Leaving pets in cars during extreme weather is illegal.

Never leave pets unsupervised around a pool. Make sure your pets wear flotation devices on boats and introduce your pet to water slowly.

Give your dog a summer haircut. This can prevent overheating.

Don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt during hot days. Their paw pads are sensitive and can burn, and your dog can overheat.