Keep your dog in top shape during the warmer months with these care tips.

• NEVER leave your dog in an unattended car in warm weather for any length of time.  The temperature inside a car gets much hotter than the outside weather, even with the windows cracked open.
• If you’re going to be out for more than an hour or so, bring a jug of ice or water for them drink as needed.
• If it is a very hot day, check the pavement, especially black top.  If it feels hot to you, it will be hot for your puppy’s paws.
• Letting a puppy cool off in a pond or pool is a fun way to relax, but be sure they don’t drink too much of the water in the pond or pool.
• After a pup swims in a chlorinated pool, try to rinse it off with fresh water from a hose.  Chlorine can be an irritant to the skin, eyes, or ears of some dogs.
• Remember to give your pup its monthly heartworm pill.
• Heartworms, ticks and fleas are more of a problem in warmer months and can cause serious health problems, remember to give your pup its flea and tick control product to protect your dog from infestation and illness.
• Avoid using cocoa mulch, pesticides, fertilizers and other gardening products that can pose hazards to pets, and encourage your neighbors to do the same.
• Summertime can also bring major weather events like hurricanes and tornados.  Remember, never leave your pets behind – if conditions aren’t safe for you, they are not safe for your pets. Visit humanesociety.org/disaster for tips on disaster preparedness.
• Sunburn is a danger for pets who spend time outdoors.  Use a pet-friendly sunscreen to protect your pet from the sun’s harmful rays, which can cause skin cancer especially of the ears and nose.

Article courtesy of http://www.guidedog.org/GD/Education/SeasonalCare/WarmWeatherCareTips.aspx