The scorching summer temperatures may leave your pet vulnerable to heatstroke which occurs very easily for animals and must be treated very quickly to give them the best chance of survival. In the case that a pet succumbs to heat stroke, the AVMA wants to make sure pet owners know the following:

· Place a cool or cold, wet towel around its neck and head, without covering its nose or mouth

· Keep water running over the animal’s body, especially on the abdomen and between the hind legs, to help diffuse body heat

· Transport the pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible

· If you cannot immediately get your pet to a veterinarian, move it to a shaded area and out of direct sunlight

And, while most of us know not to leave our pets on a car – few may know just how fast the situation can become. According to the American Veterinarian Medical Association:

· In 10 minutes, the temperature inside a vehicle rises 19° (75° outside, within 10 minutes 94° inside the car)

· In 20 minutes, the temperature rises 29° (75° outside, within 20 minutes 104° inside the car)

· Cracking windows doesn’t help

If you are taking your dog with you somewhere make sure he is in the shade and not in the car!