We all long for summer weather, but for your pet, sizzling summer days can be distressing. During summer pet owners must take special precautions to ensure that their pets are adequately catered for when temperatures soar. Now is the time to start to prepare for the hot weather.

All domestic pets should always have access to cool, shady areas. For dogs and cats this can be large, thick foliaged trees or wide verandas. All animals must have an adequate supply of cool, clean water. During the summer your pets will drink more water than in winter. If pets are alone during the day it is best to leave them with more than one container of water in case the container is knocked over.

If your dog is outside all day consider an "Automatic Dog Waterer" which will drastically reduce your worries on whether Rover is getting enough water.  One idea is "if you have the room" to buy a plastic kiddie pool and put it in the shade filled with water, you'll be surprised at how much your dog will use it during the summer months to keep its body heat tolerable.

Never lock your pets in a house or shed during the day unless the area is well ventilated and air conditioned. A steel garden shed or garage can become a death trap on a hot day.

Never leave pets in a car as even in the shade temperatures within cars can cause death from heat exhaustion in a very short time. Leaving windows down does not prevent the temperature from rising to dangerous levels and may allow the pet to escape on to a busy road or become lost.

When going on hikes with your dog, always bring enough water for the both of you. Some trails and hiking areas do not have access to streams and lakes, and your dog needs water too. If your dog is an older dog, or one that doesn't take to the heat as well, consider taking along a spray bottle to cool it off in case heat exhaustion occurs.

Animals suffering from heat exhaustion will pant, lie on their side, be listless and disoriented. In severe cases they may become unconscious. If you think your pet is suffering from heat exhaustion it must be cooled promptly.

Put the animal in a cool and shady area. Damp it down with tepid water (never ice) and fan the animal. Contact your nearest veterinarian urgently but do not transport the animal in a hot car. Only place it in a vehicle which has air conditioning or is cool and airy. Keep the animal damp with cool air playing over its body during the car trip. If the animal is conscious, offer cool, not cold, drinking water. Do not allow the animal to gulp large amounts of water.

Note:  Old animals, and the very young, are more susceptible to heat and should be provided with special care during hot weather.

Although many dogs look forward to their regular walk late in the afternoon they should not be walked until the sun goes down during hot weather. Also be aware that concrete and footpaths may be hot enough to burn the dog's feet.

With a little preparation and consideration for your pets well-being, summer will be an enjoyable time for you and your pet.
     Visit Stuff4Dog.com for more...

   Remember These Tips For Beating The Summer Heat

1. Dogs Need A Lot Of Extra Water In The Summer Heat
2. Dogs Need A Shady Cool Area To Retreat From The Heat
3. Never Leave Your Dog In The Car... Never, Never, Never
4. Hiking Or Camping With A Dog - Carry Water/Food For Dog
5. Older Dogs Need More Water And Cooler Areas in Summer

• Auto Fresh Fountain - Automatic Dog Waterer
• Swamp Cooler Vest - Cooling Vest For Your Dog
• Canine Cabana Bed - Shaded Dog Bed - But Put It In The Shade