Summer days mean picnics, swimming in the lake, and playing frisbee with Fido. For Fido however, the hot summer sun can also mean sunburn, sunstroke, and heat exhausation. With the temperatures beginning to rise, you can make sure you have the coolest pet on the block by taking a few simple precautions.

Water, water everywhere - and lots of drops to drink!
Ensure that your pet has access to cool, fresh water at all times. Unlike humans who can drink Gatorade (or other sports drinks) to hydrate quickly and replenish their electrolytes, animals must rely solely on water to keep themselves hydrated.

Do not leave your dog or cat in the car unattended.
The outside air may be a pleasing 75 degrees, but your car's interior can heat up to 100 degrees in just 10 minutes. Leaving the windows partly rolled down will not prevent the car from becoming an oven. The safest course of action is to leave your pet at home.

Pick appropriate playtimes and places.
During the hottest months of the year, walk your dog or take him out to play in the early morning or evening. If you want to take Fido out in the afternoon, choose a place that has easy access to a lake or stream where your dog can cool off (in this photo, my mom's dog Shana and her new Golden Retriever pal Milan are playing chase in a creek at the end of our walk).

Have an idea for cool fun in the summer sun? Share them here or on my blog at petlanetara.blogspot.com - I would love to hear from you!