The warmer months of summer can wreak havoc on humans and animals alike. Dr. Susan Nelson, a veterinarian who serves on Kansas State University’s clinical faculty,  offers some tips for those who have furry friends.  Heat exhaustion can be deadly and occur rapidly, especially when pets are left inside the car. 

“Never leave your pet unattended in your vehicle, even for a ‘quick trip’ to the store,” Nelson says. 

It’s also important to  make sure there aren’t extra riders on Fido.

“If you haven’t started flea and tick control for your pet, do it now,” Nelson says. “Ideally, your pet should receive year-round control as these pesky critters are around longer than just the summer months.”

Other bugs to watch for include chiggers. They will bite pets as easily as they bite us. According to Nelson, the bites can cause extreme itchiness and secondary infections, but relief can be found by visiting your vet.

A few other quick tips for summer care:

Make sure your pet always has a fresh, adequate water supply.

Water needs increase as temperatures begin to rise. It’s also important to check food for freshness as the warmer temperatures speed up the spoilage of food.

Heartworm prevention is a must for both dogs and cats.

If they are not currently on a preventive, speak to your veterinarian about getting your pets started to protect them against this mosquito-borne disease.

Make sure your pet has some type of identification.

Pets are more likely to roam during the warmer months, so it’s important to make sure they can be identified if they get lost.

Discuss ways to reduce noise-related anxiety with your vet.

Summer brings the 4th of July and thunderstorms. If your dog suffers from noise phobia, ask your veterinarian about treatment options to help reduce anxiety.

Provide adequate shade for outdoor pets.

Check to see that shade is available during all hours of the day.