Please follow these guidelines to protect your companion animal when the mercury rises.

*Overheating can kill an animal. Never leave an animal alone in a vehicle, since even with the windows open, a parked car, truck or van can quickly become a furnace. Parking in shade offers only very short term protection, as the sun shifts during the day. When traveling, carry a gallon thermos filled with fresh, cold water.

 *Don't force your animal to exercise after a meal in hot, humid weather. Always exercise him in the early morning or in the evening.

 *In extremely hot weather, don't leave you dog standing on the street, and keep walks to a minimum. He is much closer than you to the hot asphalt, and his body can heat up quickly. His paws can also burn, since they are not protected by shoes.