After a few months of work, I'm happy to announce that PetSummary's online pet health record is completely free for as many pets as you would like to protect.

What does PetSummary let you do? Here is a short list:
1. Access and print your authentic vaccine record or other medical records from anywhere
2. Receive auto reminders about an upcoming vaccination
3. Print a PetSum Card, a summary of all your pet's important info to share with anyone who can help.

I'm really excited about the possibilities for pet parents. Everyone will now be able to provide the type of protection our four legged family members deserve.

We also offer the Guardian Pet Tag, to pet owners for $15 per pet. This is a new twist on the old ID tag that shows that pet's unique Guardian Code. When entered into PetSummary.com, the Guardian Code allows the finder to see as much or as little information as the pet parent would like to provide, including treatment authorization and a list of emergency contacts. Click here to see an example.

Basically, the Guardian Tag gives your pet a voice, no matter where you are.

I'm certain this level of preparation and protection is useful for pet parents hope the rest of the world will agree. We'll see what happens!

I know a lot of the bigger shelters have their own software systems to track their dogs and cats health needs. But, I would imagine none (or very few) of these systems allow for the easy transference of this info from the shelter to the adopting parent. PetSummary would certainly be an easy solution.

Here is the idea - the shelter or rescue organization would sign each pet up for the free PetSum Service. The organization would sign up for the free service and enter as many pets as they would like. That way, they can track all the vaccines, set up auto-reminders for each vaccine, and keep all the medical records online.

Once the pet has found a home, we'd cull out that pet's info and set up a new account for the new parents. Wouldn't that be a great "value-add" for the shelter? To me, it would make things easy as can be for everyone - a free, robust tracking system for the shelter and an easy hand-off to the new parents....

Finally, if any of the new parents bought the Guardian Pet Tag, we'd provide 33% ($5) back to the rescue. Everybody wins.

Y'all, I live in Georgia and have just about all my life. I know heat, as in sinking-into-the-asphalt hot. I've been laid out by "heat sickness" as my grandmother used to call it and have seen too many pets suffer the same problems. Regardless of where you live, here are a few ideas on keeping your pets safe from heat stress.

Walking Time: Avoid taking your pet outside between the hours of 12pm - 5pm, typically the hottest time of the day.

Water! Make sure you both drink water before, during, and after you play outside. If you are thirsty, you're already late.

Grass it! If hot concrete and asphalt can literally melt your sneakers, think about what it can do to paws....

Cool Necks: Put a watered down bandana in the freezer. Before heading out, put the cooled down bandana around your furry friend's neck.

Our Hot Pets: Many animals, especially dogs, are built to CONSERVE heat. Be smart about adding it on.

Car Pool: Leaving your dog in a parked car, even with windows cracked, is a dangerous proposition. Either take them in or leave them at home.

If you fear you don't know how to diagnos heat stress, here are a few ideas form the HSUS:

"In case of an emergency, it's important to be able to identify the symptoms of heat stress caused by exposure to extreme temperatures. Check the animal for signs of heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, restlessness, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, and unconsciousness.

If the animal shows symptoms of heatstroke, take steps to gradually lower her body temperature immediately. Follow these tips, and it could save her life:

- Move the animal into the shade or an air- conditioned room.
- Apply ice packs or cold towels to her head, neck, and belly. You can also put her in a cool (not cold) bath.
- Let her drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice.
- Take her directly to a veterinarian.
Please do everything you can to keep yourself and your pet safe during these hot summer months!

(Many thanks to Doc Halligan, HSUS, and the CKC for ideas on heat safety!)