Any animal can suffer heat stress, but certain types of animals are more prone than others. Dogs with flat faces like pugs or boston terriers, dogs with heavy coats, older animals, very young animals, pets with cardiovascular or respiratory disease and obese dogs and cats are all at a greater risk for overheating during the summer months.

To prevent heat stress:

1. Always provide plenty of fresh, clean water and make sure that if the water bowl is outside it is in the shade and is safely secured so it doesn't get tipped over.
2. If pets are kept outside, provide adequate shade and/or shelter
3. Apply a mix of equal parts of SPF 15 sun block and petroleum jelly to pets with pink noses before they go outside.
4. Dogs' pads burn easily so avoid walking your dog on hot pavement, blacktop or roads.
5. Avoid exercise during hot weather.
6. Baby pools filled with cool water can be fun and cooling for most dogs
7. Never leave pets in a parked vehicle in the summer – even with the windows down!

BITES & STINGS: Bites and stings from most flying insects can cause swelling or pain. Call your veterinarian for advice because some can cause allergic reactions which require treatment.

FLEAS & TICKS: Check pets regularly and have them examined by your veterinarian for these spring and summertime pests. Use veterinary-approved products like Sentinel, Frontline, or Advantage for optimal control.

VACATIONING: When planning a vacation, don’t forget to plan for your pets. You may choose to leave them behind or take them with you, but careful thought and detailed planning will make the time enjoyable for all.

  Leaving Your Pet Behind

• Ask friends or your veterinarian for recommendations about kennels and pet sitters.

  Taking Your Pet Along

• Call ahead and make sure that all the places you will be staying will accept and welcome your pet (many hotels, motels, bed-and-breakfast inns, parks and homes do), be specific about what kind of pet, how big, and behavior.
  
• Vaccinations should be current (Rabies laws vary by state), and a health certificate may be required. Take along a summarized medical record (health problems, surgeries, medications, vaccinations, etc).
  
• Take your pets usual food and a few days supply of your water, medications, food and water dishes/bowls, bedding and toys.
  
• Have identification on your pet at all times with a phone number with area code. Keep pets on leashes or in a kennel/crate. Keep a good photo of your pet with you just in case they get lost.
  
• Do not let pets hang their heads out the window or ride in the back of the truck unsecured.
  
• Some animals really like their routine, try to do something just like at home at least once a day.