| heat and humidity,
which can be dangerous to your pooch. With careful planning, conscientious
care, and a little common sense, you and your dog can enjoy everything summer has to offer.
Visit your Veterinarian
Schedule your pet's annual checkup. Depending
on where you live, testing your dog for heartworm
before starting a preventive is essential, as is
controlling parasites like fleas and ticks. While you
are there, get a current copy of your pet's medical
history and vaccinations to keep with you when you
travel.
Heel the Heat
Dogs don't sweat like humans. In fact, the only
sweat glands on a dog's body are near her paws. Alone, this does little to cool your dog. To aid the cooling process, your dog pants. To help combat summer's heat and humidity, monitor her outdoor time, never leave her in the car, and keep her:
 Watered - Keep her home dish full and a travel dish
always ready.
Leashed - Prevent her from escaping and getting lost
in
the hot sun. Be sure she has access to shade wherever
she is confined.
Groomed - Help regulate her body temperature by
trimming her coat.
Protected - Rub sunscreen (waterproof SPF 15 or
above) on her ear tips and nose.
Activity Level - Appropriate play, jogging, etc
during cool hours of the day.
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Pack for Prevention
Summer is often packed full of fun. But whether your dog accompanies you across town to the park, across the country to relatives, or stays behind in a local kennel, her needs should be top priority. As always, being prepared is the best preventive
measure. Before you embark on any expedition, gather:
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