Owning a pet is a huge responsibility. You need to give them the correct food, enough water, the right housing, enough exercise and as if that wasn't enough you also have to take extra precautions during the summer to make sure that your loved one stays healthy and happy.

Overheating

Most people know not to leave their pets in a locked car for long periods, but even driving around, parking, and leaving your pet in the car for "just a minute" can be deadly because a car acts like a greenhouse trapping the sun’s heat.

• If you are driving with your pet make sure that he his space has sufficient airflow and that it is a comfortable temperature. 
• When parking, take your pet with you. In Spain it is an offence to leave your pet  (or child) in an unattended vehicle. Cars heat up fast - even with the windows slightly open. 

Heatstroke

Watch out for the signs of heatstroke:
• Heavy panting
• Glazed over eyes
• Unsteadiness
• Staggering, vomiting
• A dark red or purple tongue

If you think your pet has heatstroke you need to take her to a vet immediately. In the meantime try to lower her body temperature by applying cool (not cold or freezing) water to her body and letting her drink small amounts of cool (again not cold or freezing) water. You can also allow your pet to lick some ice cubes.

Skin Cancer

Cats, dogs, rabbits and even horses can be victims of skin cancer just like us. If you have a white pet, her fur and skin won’t provide enough cover to protect it from the sun. You’ll need to put a dab of sunscreen on the tips of her ears and nose.

Exercise

The most common family pet is the dog, often considered a family member and should be cared for in the same way. Depending on the size and breed of your dog different amounts of time should be allocated each day for walks, generally the larger the breed the longer you will need to spend walking.

Be aware that hot weather will make your dog more prone to overheating so in the summer months it is wise to take shorter walks or change your “walkies” time to early morning and late evening – avoiding the midday sun. and remember to take a sufficient amount of water for your dog to drink.

Dogs cool themselves by panting and sweating through the foot pads, in the summer it is not enough!

Thirsty?

As the weather warms, it's especially important to make sure that your companion drinks enough water. Be sure to always take fresh water and a bowl with you when headed out to the beach, a picnic, hiking, etc

Antifreeze is actually a year-round hazard but with the warmer temperatures of summer, cars overheat and may leak antifreeze. (This is the bright green liquid found oozing from that car with the engine fan on.) Antifreeze tastes sweet and is inviting to pets (and children) but it is also extremely toxic in very small amounts.

Fancy a quick dip?

Water Safety - Not all dogs are excellent swimmers by nature. Especially if Fido has underlying health problems, such as heart disease or obesity to contend with. Consider protecting your pet just as your human family -- with a life jacket. If your pet is knocked into the pool or off the boat (perhaps getting injured in the process), or is tired/cold from choppy water or a sudden storm, a life jacket could be what saves his life.