Whether planning trips to the beach, to a local amusement park or when camping and hiking, many people include their companion animals in their summer travel plans.

However, it's important to remember that dogs and cats can suffer from the same problems that humans do in hot weather, including overheating, dehydration, sunstroke and sunburn. By following some simple steps, you can help protect Fluffy and Fido from the summer heat and keep your companion animals healthy, happy and safe all year long.

Tips to remember: 

• Every summer, animals left in unattended cars suffer brain damage and die from heatstroke. Even on seemingly mild or cloudy days, with the windows open, a parked car, truck or van can quickly become a furnace. Car windows act to both absorb the sun's rays and insulate your vehicle. This means that the inside of a car can heat up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit in only ten minutes on an 80-degree day. Danger signs to look out for: heavy panting, rapid breathing, staggering, vomiting and weakness. A heat-stricken animal can die in minutes but proper care may save its life.
  
  If you think your companion animal is suffering from heatstroke, immediately remove him or her to a cool, shady area. Try to slowly lower the animal's temperature by placing in cool, not cold, water. Apply ice to the head and neck. Get the animal to a veterinarian as soon as possible as follow-up care will be needed.
   
  
  
• If you find an animal locked in a car on a hot day, try to locate the owner immediately. If the car is parked at store, ask the manager to page the owner. If you cannot find the owner quickly, call animal control or the police to rescue the animal from the car. 
  
  
• Not all animals are natural swimmers. Place a fence around swimming pools and consider using a life preserver to protect your dog in the water or while boating. 
  
  
• Don't take your pets to crowded summer events such as concerts, fairs or fireworks displays. The loud noises and the crowds, combined with the heat, can be stressful and dangerous for pets.
  
  Cats and dogs often become alarmed and disoriented during fireworks displays and, in their confusion, they may escape from the yard or house and get lost. Keep animals indoors in a quiet, protected area during fireworks celebrations.
  
  
• Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost they can be returned promptly.
  
  
• The sun does not discriminate between animals and humans. Your companions are as vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer as you are and may require sunscreen on their nose and ears. Light-colored animals are particularly sensitive to the sun. Check with your veterinarian for a safe, non-toxic sunscreen for animals.
  
  
• Use caution when walking your dog on unfamiliar lawns and parks. Many people take advantage of the warmer temperatures to fertilize their lawns or treat plants with insecticides that can be fatal if ingested by animals. Over 700 plants are known to be toxic and can be harmful to animals. Some common plants that may produce a toxic reaction in animals are Azaleas, Apple seeds, Daffodils, Philodendrons, Wisteria and Poinsettia.
  
  
• Never put your dog in the back of a pick-up truck to travel. Not only is this dangerous, but in many states it is illegal. The only safe way to transport your dog is in the cab with you or in a secured crate in the bed of the truck. A dog riding in the back of a pick-up has no way to protect itself in the case of an accident or if the driver steps on his or her brakes suddenly.
  
  
• Never leave your dog standing on extremely hot concrete or cement as his body can quickly absorb the heat and his paws may burn.
  
  
• Make sure outside animals are provided with plenty of shade and cool, fresh water. Try spraying down your dogs before work or whenever you can on really hot days. If possible, bring your animals indoors during the hottest part of the day.
  
  
• Take special precautions with old and overweight animals, or those animals with heart or lung diseases, in hot weather. Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs (especially bulldogs, Pekingese, Boston terriers, Lhasa apsos, Pugs and shih tzus) have compromised respiratory systems and should be kept in air-conditioning if possible.
  
  
• Keep your companions well-groomed to help prevent skin problems. Dogs with long hair or heavy coats can be shaved to help prevent overheating. Leave at least one inch of fur on your dog to help protect him or her from the sun's dangerous rays.
  
  
• Fleas and ticks are another summertime hazard for animals. Some over-the-counter flea and tick products can be harmful, even when used according to the instructions, so always check with your veterinarian before using a medication.
  
  
• Take your companion animals to the veterinarian for a pre-summer check-up to see if he or she should be taking heartworm prevention medication. Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworm disease can be fatal in both dogs and cats. 
  
  
• Cars can overheat when temperatures rise, causing antifreeze to leak. Keep an eye out for leaks from your car as well as your neighbors and clean up spills immediately. Animals and children are attracted to the sweet smell and taste of antifreeze. Ingesting just a small amount can be fatal. Use animal-friendly antifreeze that uses propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol and call your veterinarian if you think your companion has been exposed to antifreeze.

Regardless of the season, whether it's summer's heat or winter's chill, your dogs and cats deserve a safe haven, plenty of food, fresh water, and lots of affection. When in doubt about your companion's proper care or health, always consult your veterinarian.