Protect your pet: Summer safety tips Published July 12, 2010 By Rod Krause 5th Bomb Wing Ground Safety MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Summertime can be as much fun for the family pet as it is for the owner. But pet owners need to take some precautions to keep their animal companions happy, cool and safe during the dog days of summer. Here are a few hot-weather tips. Sun Protection: Many of the safety concerns applied to humans during the hottest months of the year also apply to their pets. Consistent use of sunscreen in order to avoid sun damage is as important for the pets as it is for the owners. This is especially important if the pet has short hair, white fur or pink skin. Talk to a veterinarian about choosing a sunscreen (most important to apply on ears and nose) and be sure to limit the pet's sun exposure. Heatstroke: Limiting and supervising time outdoors during the hottest hours of the day is also important for pets because when it's hot for the owner, it's probably even hotter for them. Dogs aren't as efficient at cooling down as humans are, since they release most of their body heat only through the pads of their feet and by panting. Be especially careful with dogs that have short, pushed-in faces (e.g., bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers), puppies and elderly pets. Early-morning and evening hours are best for outdoor playtime, and be sure to provide plenty of water and even ice cubes. Avoiding toxins: If fertilizers or other chemicals are used on the lawn or garden, make sure pets don't have access to these potentially toxic substances. Car antifreeze is also potentially life-threatening to pets and may leak from an overheating car. Keep the family pet away from what to them is a sweet-tasting, but possibly toxic substance such as this. Water Safety: If the job allows, owners and pets will get to spend some time cooling down near water, whether a pool, lake or the ocean. But even dogs who are good swimmers need to be protected around water. If the family owns a pool, keep in mind dog's might jump in and not be able to figure out how to get out, so just as with children, never leave a pet unsupervised around water. This is especially true if the pool has a cover on it, because pets can get caught under it. As an extra precaution, dog life preserver are available. Parasite Prevention: Mosquitoes, ticks, heartworms and other bugs and parasites are out in full force in the summer, and they can infect the family dog or cat and cause potentially serious medical issues. The pet might also carry these bugs and parasites into the home, so be sure to talk to a veterinarian about a preventative. Summer storms: Many animals don't react well to the storms that are common in summer. They may have a response to the change in air pressure or to the sound of thunder. Be sure to teach them to have a place they can safely rest, such as a crate. Last but not least, Travel safety: Many summer travel plans are appropriate for pets to join in on the fun. But, just like humans need to be safely secured in a car, so do the pets. They should travel in an appropriately sized crate or in a harness secured to a seat belt. Also, be especially careful not to leave the pet unsupervised in a car, even for just a moment, as animals can quickly overheat. If the proper precautions are taken, the family, including pets, should enjoy a wonderful summer. But, if suspicion arises that the family pet may be suffering from heatstroke, contact a veterinarian immediately. Some signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, bright-red tongue and gums, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and a body temperature of 104 to 110-degrees.