Summer is here and, as the song goes, the living is easy. Well, for some. Our pets need extra care and protection during the hot weather to stay happy and healthy. During summer pets endure the same hot weather woes as their owners, but your pet’s cooling system must work much harder.

Dogs are social animals who desire to be with their families. YOU are your dog’s family. The best way to prevent heat-related health problems is to bring your dog inside to be with his family.

Cats should be kept inside at all times, regardless of the weather. It’s the law in the city of St. Louis. “Outside” cats are often the victims of cars, dogs and inhumane people. Your cat deserves to be safe and cool inside.

A few common-sense precautions can help protect your pet during the hot weather:

WATER…Be certain outdoor dogs have access to PLENTY of fresh, clean water at all times—it’s the kind thing to do and it’s the law. If your pet tends to knock over his bowl, making it difficult to keep water available, a solution may be to dig a hole in the ground (in a shady area) and insert a plastic bucket at ground level. Metal buckets may rust. Heavy ceramic bowls are also a good choice.

SHADE…Make sure your pet has access to shade and shelter all day. Your dog might be in the shade when you leave for work but as the day progresses, the position of the sun changes and may leave your pet stranded in the scorching sun. Free access to a shady area at all times is essential!

INSECTS…Keep your animal clean and pest-free. Fleas, ticks and flies can be a terrible nuisance to your pet. If you do not know how to rid your pet of these annoying pests, call your veterinarian or the Humane Society of Missouri for proper advice. Always read the instructions of preparations to control these parasites before using them. If improperly used, they can be toxic.

STORMS and FIREWORKS…Summer storms can produce lots of thunder and lightening and fireworks celebrations may cause your pet much anxiety. Many pets may jump fences or bolt yards to escape the noise. Protect them by keeping them indoors and away from windows. Make sure identification tags are up-to-date and consider micro-chipping your pet for added protection in case your pet gets lost.

EXERCISE…If you jog with your dog, take frequent water breaks. Asphalt and concrete get hot quickly. You have rubber soles on your feet—your dog is barefoot. On hot days, leave your dog comfortably at home.

HELP! If your pet is showing signs of heatstroke (glassy eyes, heavy panting, lethargic behavior, vomiting) quickly begin treatment by rubbing or hosing cool water (not ice water) on your pet. Contact your veterinarian or an animal emergency clinic immediately!

A few minutes in a hot car could kill your pet! A pet should never be left unattended in a parked car when the outside temperature is over 70 degrees. Allowing an animal to be harmed in this way is considered animal abuse and taken very seriously. It is illegal and punishable by fines and imprisonment.

When the temperature outside is above 70 degrees, a parked car quickly becomes unbearably hot inside within minutes, even with the windows left slightly open.

In just 10 minutes, the temperature inside your car can reach 102 degrees or hotter.

In just 30 minutes, the temperature inside your car can reach 120 degrees or hotter.

At 110 degrees, your pet may have just minutes to live! Your pet will suffer heatstroke, leading to collapse, brain damage and an agonizing death!

If your pet is overheated, take emergency action! Put your pet into cold water or give a cold-water rubdown immediately to lower body temperature. Take your pet to a veterinarian for a thorough examination and emergency treatment.