Whether you are vacationing at home or on the road with pets this summer, be sure to keep your pets cool when the weather gets hot!

o Never leave your pet in a parked car, which can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes.
o Exercise your dog in the early morning or evening when it is cooler.
o Have fresh, cool water available at all times.
o Ensure your pet has a shaded area available while outside.
o Be aware that older, overweight, thick-coated, or flat-faced breeds are more likely to overheat.
o Heat stress signs include heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, and unsteadiness, staggering gait, vomiting or a deep red or purple tongue.
o Just like you, dogs can burn the pads of their feet walking across hot pavement. They can also burn their nose and the tips of their ears, so be sure to share your sun block!
o Heat causes cats to shed more in the summer, so remember to brush your cat daily to prevent unwanted fur balls.