Summer Precautions
  As much as our pets and we enjoy the summer months, it is important that some simple precautions are taken to ensure that our pets stay healthy.
-If your pet is tied outside during the day, make sure that the pet has shade all day long. As the sun moves, so does the shade and morning shade may not translate into afternoon shade.-Never leave your pet in a closed car in an un-shaded place during the summer. Even a few moments in a closed car can cause the death of your pet. Leave your pet home, if you will need to leave him in the car.
-Remember, too, that some breeds, particularly the longer haired varieties, cannot tolerate any heat as easily as shorter haired breeds.
-Restrict your pet's play during the hottest part of the day. Often a dog will play to exhaustion if not restricted and heat stroke is a very real possibility for pets. Try to exercise your pet in the evening when the temperature has dropped.
-Make sure that your pet has fresh water all day long.
-Even if the temperature feels comfortable for you, the same may not be true for your pet. Humans perspire freely through both their skin and mouth. Dogs and cats can only get relief from the heat and high body temperature through panting and panting is not nearly as effective as perspiring.
-Ice cream, which your dog will love, is really not good for your dog. Not only is it fattening, but also the lactose it contains can cause stomach upset and diarrhea in dogs. Instead try giving your dog ice cubes.
-Lyme disease, which is transmitted through ticks, will remain a problem throughout the summer months. Talk to your veterinarian about tick prevention and the possibility of getting your dog a Lyme disease vaccination.
-Fleas also continue to be a problem throughout the summer, especially during wet seasons. Your veterinarian can recommend flea prevention and flea killing products that will best suit your needs.
-Now that your pet is probably spending more time outside, internal parasites are also a greater possibility. Make sure your pet has a fecal test done every summer to help control these types of parasites.

If you have any questions or concerns about the things discussed above, call your veterinarian for further information.