Overheating can kill your pet. Never leave an animal in a car since the temperature can rise so rapidly even with windows open. If you're traveling carry cold water to cool your pet. Be sure to rinse them off after swimming, and keep them in a shaded cool area when they are on the beach.
Exercise your pet in the cooler hours. Swimming is wonderful exercise, and it's cooling as well.
Do not leave a dog outside on the hot tar. He's is much lower to the ground and heats up faster.
Make a shaded shelter available to your pet in the summer, and ALWAYS make sure they have water, and it is kept in the shade as well. No one wants to drink hot icky water.
Old and overweight animals have a more difficult time in the heat, make considerations for them, and keep them inside if possible.
Be watchful of pesticides. Your pet doesn't wear shoes on his feet or pants to keep these things off their bodies. Weed killers, and insecticides can make your pet sick or even kill them.
Engine coolant kills. Animals are draws to its sweet smell, and they can die from it. if you spill some, be sure to clean the area promptly.
A well brushed pet will be cooler. Make sure never to shave an Arctic breed dog short. Their skin has a blue and pink cast to it, and burns easily.
Heartworm and flea prevention is a major consideration in the Summer. Make sure you are prepared for these. Make your appointment with your vet before infestation occurs. If you practice prevention it's easier than playing catch up after you have 10,000 fleas in your home. It's also cheaper than hiring an exterminator.
NEVER tie a dog out on a correction collar (also called a choke chain) if they get stuck, or pull the collar can collapse their trachea or cause bruising. ALWAYS use a flat buckle collar to tie out your dog.
The weather may be fine, but it's never fine to let your pet run free. unsupervised animals can get many different types of diseases, and you won't know it until it's too late. An indoor cat can live to 20 plus years, but a majority of outdoor cats only live from 1-3 years due to fights with raccoons, being hit by cars, and disease.
Never let your dog ride unsecured in your pickup truck. A crate is the best and safest way for a dog to travel. In some states, such as Massachusetts, it's illegal to keep your dog in a pickup unless secured in the back of the bed equally on both sides. This prevents the dog from jumping or falling out.
If your dog or cat is hot, place a cool rag on their bellies, heads, and on their paws. this will help bring their temperature down. Also, everyone loves a nice cool drink, when you get ice for your cool drink, throw some ice cubes in their dish as well.