Summer is often a time when people fertilize their lawns and work in their gardens. But beware: Plant food, fertilizer, and insecticides can be fatal if your pet ingests them. In addition, more than 700 plants can produce physiologically active or toxic substances in sufficient amounts to cause harmful effects in animals.

Make sure your pet is always wearing a collar and an identification tag. If you are separated from your pet, an ID tag may very well be his or her ticket home.

Check with your Veterinarian to see if your pets should be taking Heartworm prevention medication. Heartworm disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, can be fatal in both dogs and cats.

Provide plenty of water and shade for your pets while they're enjoying the great outdoors so they can stay cool.

Remember, Pets and pools can equal disaster. Prevent free access to pools and always supervise your pet in the pool.

It is very dangerous, and in some states illegal, to drive with a pet in the back of a pick-up truck. This can cause serious injury and also your pet can be unintentionally thrown into traffic if the driver suddenly hits the brakes, swerves, or is hit by another car. Pets should ride either in the cab (in a crate or wearing a seat belt harness) or in a secured crate in the bed of the truck.

Summertime is flea and tick time. The Summer is one of the most important seasons to protect your pets from these pesky & potentially harmful parasites. Remember to use ONLY Veterinarian approved flea and Tick treatments as many over the counter products can be toxic and even fatal if used improperly or on sensitive pets.

Don't take your pets to crowded Summer events such as concerts or fairs. The loud noises and crowds, combined with the heat, can be stressful and dangerous for pets. For your pet's well being, leave him at home.

Pets can get sunburned and your pet may require sunscreen on his or her nose and ear tips. Pets with light-colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer

It’s important to have an adequate shelter to protect your pet from the sun and heat. For dogs a large doghouse with a cool floor or straw bedding works well. Make sure the opening to the doghouse is not facing the sun. If you choose to equip the doghouse with fans to circulate the air, it should be done professionally because curious dogs can chew electrical cords and create a serious hazard. For cats create a comfortable area with their soft bed in which they can lay in the whole day.

As you're outside enjoying the warm weather, keep your pet leashed. It will keep her from getting lost, fighting other animals, and eating or drinking things that could make her sick. This tip isn't just for dogs, even cats can learn to walk on a leash if you train them.

Say no to tangles. Keeping your pet well groomed will help her hair do what it was designed to do: protect her from the sun and insulate her from the heat. If she has extremely thick hair or a lot of mats and tangles, her fur may trap too much heat, so you may want to clip her.

Watch out for antifreeze. Hot weather may tempt your pet to drink from puddles in the street, which can contain antifreeze and other chemicals. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that animals like, but it's extremely toxic. When you're walking your pet, make sure she doesn't sneak a drink from the street.

Bring them inside. Animals shouldn't be left outside unsupervised on long, hot days, even in the shade. Shade can move throughout the afternoon, and pets can become ill quickly if they overheat, so keep them inside as much as possible. If you must leave your pet in the backyard, keep a close eye on her and bring her in when you can.

Keep an eye out for heatstroke. Heatstroke is a medical emergency! If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, you must act quickly and calmly. Have someone call a Veterinarian immediately. In the meantime, lower the animal's body temperature by applying towels soaked in cool water to the hairless areas of the body. Often the pet will respond after only a few minutes of cooling, only to falter again with his temperature soaring back up or falling to well below what is normal. With this in mind, remember that it is imperative to get the animal to a Veterinarian immediately. Once your pet is in the Veterinarian's care, treatment may include further cooling techniques, intravenous fluid therapy to counter shock, or medication to prevent or reverse brain damage.

Signs of Heatstroke:

• Panting
• Staring
• Anxious Expression
• Refusal to obey commands
• Warm, dry skin
• High fever
• Rapid heartbeat
• Vomiting
• Collapse