• Making sure our animals have lots of cold water
• Keep your animal inside during the hottest times of the day (12-4 pm)
• Watching your animal for signs of heatstroke: lethargy, disorientation, vomiting, etc. Call your vet immediately if you observe any of those signs.
• Never, ever, leave your animal in the car.

You've probably heard reports about animals dying as a result of being left in a car -- and this is no joke. After even a couple of minutes, the inside of a parked car can reach temperatures of 120 degrees and higher, putting fatal stress on an animal's body. Cracking the windows doesn't help, either. So please: leave your pet at home!

If you do see an animal left unattended in the car, call the police! It is against the law in most jurisdictions to leave a pet unattended in a standing or parked motor vehicle in a manner that endangers the health or safety of the animal.



You should also be aware of these hidden dangers specific to summertime:

• Coolant leaking from your car inside your garage
• Pesticides or herbicides sprayed in your yard
• Bug sprays and/or citronella candles
• Fuel for gas grills
• Heartworms/worms/fleas

Never leave your animal unattended outside -- and make sure you're staying up-to-date on all shots, medications and vet visits.

For added pet protection, consider pet insurance. For as little as $20/month, you can get coverage for accidents, emergencies, and illnesses (including cancer). With animals, accidents can happen at any time, so the peace of mind that comes with pet insurance may be worth it. Talk to your provider -- you may be able to bundle and save!


Photos: BC Gov, Aris Sanchez.