Summer is a wonderful time for you and your pet to enjoy the outdoors together,
but this time of year can present some potential dangers for your four-legged friend.
Here is a rundown of some of the greatest threats to your pet's health this summer
and tips on how to avoid them.

Heat-Related Illness
People can dress appropriately for the weather; pets cannot. The primary way dogs and cats rid themselves of excess body heat is by panting and a small amount of sweating through their paws. Because pets cannot tell their owners when they are
overheated, they are at risk of heat illness if owners are not vigilant.
One of the biggest summer hazards for pets is heatstroke, which is a medical emergency.
Heatstroke is most likely to occur on hot, humid days. Early signs of this condition include heavy panting and anxiety and can progress to increased heart rate, respiratory distress,
seizures, coma, and even death if the animal is not treated.
If you suspect heatstroke in your pet, call your veterinarian immediately. Then apply towels soaked in cool water (not ice water) to the hairless areas of her body, and offer ice
cubes for her to lick. Further treatment at your veterinarian's office will likely include additional cooling techniques, intravenous fluid therapy, and/or medication for shock and
brain swelling.
Other concerns during warmer weather include sunburn, which is more likely to develop in thin-haired and recently shaved dogs, and burns on your pet's paw pads from hot pavement or sand. Light-colored pets are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.
The good news is that summer dangers related to heat can be prevented by following a few easy guidelines:
• Never leave your pet in an enclosed area, especially a car.
• Always provide shade and fresh water if your pet is housed outdoors.
• Do not over exercise your pet in hot, humid weather; outdoor exercise is best done in
the early morning or late evening.
• Put sunscreen on your pet's nose and ear tips.
• Bring your pet into cooler, ideally air-conditioned, quarters when appropriate.

Water Safety
Like their owners, many dogs like to swim, but it is important to remember that pets can
drown in lakes and pools just like people. Not all dogs are naturally good swimmers,
especially if there is an underlying health problem, such as heart disease or obesity.
Keep in mind that older dogs weaken more quickly, even if they are excellent swimmers,
and it can be difficult for them to keep their head above water when they are exhausted.
Take frequent breaks while playing games like 'fetch,' even if your dog seems to want to
continue. To stave off ear infection, be sure to dry out your dog's ears with a soft towel or
cottonball after swimming.
You should also be on the lookout for stagnant pools of water. Parasites and algae sometimes
lurk in stagnant puddles or infrequently used bodies of water, possibly causing illness if ingested.

The good news is that summer dangers related to heat
can be prevented by following a few easy guidelines.

Parasite Perils
Many external and internal parasites are more prevalent in the warmer months. Heartworm
disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, can be fatal in both dogs and cats. Also, fleas
and ticks are more likely to find their way to your pet when he is outdoors. The good news
is that these parasites are easy to prevent and manage with medication and vaccines. Work
with your veterinarian to determine the best methods of preventing these pesky and
sometimes dangerous parasites from harming your pet.

Antifreeze
Antifreeze is actually a year-round hazard. Antifreeze tastes sweet and is inviting to pets,
but the ethylene glycol it contains is extremely toxic even in very small amounts. Call your
veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog or cat has ingested antifreeze. A safe,
essentially nontoxic alternative is one of the newer antifreeze and coolant products that do
not contain ethylene glycol.