Keep cool. Summer brings hot weather and family vacations.  Your pets will be affected by both.  For a healthier summer for you and your pets, follow these tips:

NEVER leave your pets in a parked car, even if the windows are open.  Ten minutes could be too long on a hot day.  By then, the temperature inside the car could reach 160 degrees.  That's hot enough to cause a dog to suffer heat stroke.

Pets don't perspire as people do.  They cool themselves by panting.  With only very hot air to breathe, your pets could suffer permanent brain damage within moments.  If emergency care is not given, your pets could die.  They may want to come along, but it's much kinder to leave your pets at home with plenty of fresh, cool WATER, SHELTER, and access to SHADE at ALL TIMES.

On the hottest days of the year your safest bet is to bring your pet into an air-conditioned environment to reduce the risk of heat stroke and possible death.

Check your pets regularly for fleas, which are more common in hot weather.  For flea control to be effective, your pet's entire environment must be treated, including the yard.  Never use flea control products for dogs on cats, as they may ingest the powerful chemicals while grooming.

Without proper planning, your dream vacation could become a nightmare for your pets.  If they are staying behind, make advance boarding reservations with a veterinary clinic, reputable kennel or pet sitter, or make arrangements with a responsible friend.

Your pets should always wear collars with proper identification tags (rabies, ID, license) and have a microchip implant.  They should be kept under control in accordance with local leash laws.  This is even more important when vacationing, as pets can easily become lost in a strange environment.