Everyone has hints for keeping Fido & Fluffy safe and cool in summer.  Here’s ours:

1. Always provide plenty of shade and water for outside dogs.
2. Bring water when traveling with a pet even if it’s a short drive to the park.
3. Sidewalks get hot in the sun so take walks in early morning or late afternoon after the heat of the day has passed.
4. Don’t leave a dog in the car even under a tree with the windows cracked open. Shade moves and slightly open windows do not provide necessary relief from the stifling heat that builds inside a car in the sun.
5. Don’t feed Fido the leftovers from the grill; spicy or rich foods can cause intestinal upsets in many dogs and can trigger episodes of bloat in deep-chested dogs.
6. Don’t push dogs to play and exercise in hot weather unless they are in good physical shape and are accustomed to the heat.
7. If Fido rides in the pick-up truck put him in a crate and anchor it securely to the truck bed.
8. Keep dogs groomed so you can find ticks and debris before they spread disease or cause damage.
9. Use preventive medications for heartworm and fleas.
10. Take steps to prevent escapes if children are liable to leave gates or doors open and Fido pushes past visitors to reach the great outdoors.