Summer and vacation season can pose special problems for pets. Help keep your pet healthy and safe by following these simple tips.

Heat Stress- Any pet can suffer from heat stress. However, particularly susceptible are-

• Very young and older pets
• Pets with a previous history of heat stress
• Short-nosed breeds
• Overweight pets
• Pets with cardiovascular or respiratory disorders

Help prevent heat stress by.....

• Providing plenty of clean, fresh water for your pet at all times
• Providing adequate ventilation and air circulation when pets are in kennels or pens
• Providing shade cover when pets are outdoors
• Avoiding excessive exercise of pets during hot weather
• Never leaving pets in parked vehicles

Some signs of heat stress are staring or anxious expression, failure to respond to commands, panting and profuse salivation, warm dry skin, high fever, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, muscular weakness or collapse.

If your pet has heat stress, try to reduce his temperature by gradually immersing your pet in cool water, spraying him with cool water or applying ice packs to his head and neck. Then take your pet to the veterinarian immediately.

Heartworm Disease- This mosquito-transmitted disease can be fatal to your dog. The cat is an abnormal host for the mosquito-borne heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis. However, D. immitis does, on occasion, infect the cat and cause heartworm disease. If your dog's or cat's test is negative, ask your veterinarian about heartworm preventatives - available in chewable or pill form for dogs and given daily or monthly; and available in chewable form for cats and given monthly. In areas that have a year-round mosquito problem it is recommended that dogs be kept on a heartworm preventative throughout the year.

Fleas and Ticks- Watch for sign of parasites that are particularly prevalent during warmer weather. Discuss the various methods of flea and tick prevention and treatment with your veterinarian. Be sure that any product you use is safe for your type of pet (dog or cat).

If your pet becomes infested with fleas, you most treat your pet and your pet's environment. If you notice a flea problem in your home, be sure to dispose of vacuum cleaner bags after each use. It might be necessary to obtain special products from your veterinarian to rid your home of fleas, or to obtain the services of a professional exterminator.

Some ticks can transmit disease such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Any tick found on your pet should be removed promptly and completely. Using a tissue or tweezers placed next to the skin, gently pull the tick from your pet's skin, making sure to remove the head and mouthparts. Have your veterinarian show you the correct way to remove ticks. In heavily wooded areas or other areas where ticks are prevalent, discuss the Lyme vaccine with your veterinarian.

Bites and Stings- Unusual swelling or soreness may be signs of a bite or sting. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

Housing- Be sure to provide proper shelter for your pets. If yours is an indoor pet, his/her bed or crate should be kept in a warm, draft-free area, preferably elevated slightly off the floor. If your pet is kept outdoors, provide a warm insulated pet house or shelter. The house should be elevated enough so that moisture cannot accumulate inside. If possible, provide a "door" (perhaps of canvas) to keep out the winter winds. If your pet is in a pen, you might block the wind and weather with bales of straw and stretch canvas over the top of the pen. If the wind chill or other weather conditions become severe, bring your pet inside.

Frostbite- Remove ice and snow from your pet's paws and coat at once. Frostbitten skin may turn reddish, white or gray, and it may be scaly or sloughing. If you suspect frostbite, take your pet to a warm place immediately. Thaw out frostbitten areas slowly by applying warm, moist towels that are changed frequently. Continue until the affected areas become flushed. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible; he/she will probably want to evaluate the seriousness of the condition.

Snow Removal Salt- Some substances produced to melt ice and snow, have a low to moderate toxicity, depending on the ingredients and amount ingested. Read the labels and take necessary precautions. Keep these products stored in tight containers out of your pet's and children's reach and be sure to remove salt from your pet's paws immediately.

Antifreeze- Even a very small amount of antifreeze can be fatal. Precautions are necessary with all antifreeze products on the market. Read labels and warnings carefully. Thoroughly clean up spills at once. Keep containers closed tightly and store them where pets cannot get at them.

Napping Cats- Cats sometimes climb onto vehicle engines for warmth. Before starting your vehicle, knock on the hood and honk the horn. Even if your own cat does not have access to your vehicle, a neighbor's cat might have taken shelter there.

Food- Staying warm requires extra calories, so feed your pet accordingly when the temperature drops. Talk to your veterinarian for advice on feeding your pet.

Water- Always have fresh, clean water available for your pet. If your pet is kept outdoors, be sure to check his or her water frequently since it may freeze.

The holidays can crate special dangers for your pets. Here are a few tips to help keep your pets safe during this special time of year.

• Increased activity and visitors during the holiday season can upset your pet's routine. Try to keep your pet on his/her regular schedule for feeding and exercise and be sure he or she gets plenty of love.

• If you are planning to take your pet with you when visiting friends and relatives during the holiday season, be sure to contact them in advance to find out if your pet is welcome. Because of the excitement during this season, it might be best for you and your pet to board your pet or hire a reputable pet sitter.

• Alcoholic beverages, holiday treats such as chocolates, rich, fatty food scraps and bones can be harmful or toxic to pets. Keep your pet on his or her regular diet and caution visitors against giving your pet "special treats".

• Never put ribbons or yarn around your pet's neck and do not allow your pet to play with plastic or foil wrappings or six-pack beverage holders.

• Cover or tack down electrical cords.