Dear readers,

With the summer upon us and some daytime temperatures becoming uncomfortably hot, can you imagine how your pet feels in that fur coat. This is a great time to re-visit all those summer concerns to help you and your pet enjoy a safe, healthy and happy season.

* More animals become lost during the warmer months than at any other time of year.

If your pet is lost and collar identification tags are missing or illegible, animal shelter staff and veterinary clinics will scan for a microchip, which contains a code number. That number is phoned in to a central registry where you are identified as the owner and a reunion will take place as soon as the registry can contact you.

If your pet doesn't have a microchip, ask your veterinarian for information. All of my own pets are microchipped and I highly recommend it to all pet owners.

* Post the phone number of your veterinarian and emergency clinic in a visible location near your phone.

Yes, this information should be in place year-round but if your house is like mine, the summer months render your house a little more disorganized than usual,

Doors and windows are left open, an invitation for pets to take unsupervised walks, which can result in injuries and illness - hit by car, scrounging through garbage, a meeting with an unfriendly dog or an encounter with wildlife. Having emergency phone numbers close at hand can be a lifesaver.

* If you haven't already scheduled your pet's annual vet visit, do it now.

Your veterinarian can make sure your pet is updated on vaccinations and is on a schedule of products to guard against heartworm, fleas, ticks and other parasites depending on where you live and your pet's lifestyle.

* Dogs and cats don't sweat through their pores like we do.

Their tongues provide most of their internal air conditioning and you may notice that as the body temperature increases, the tongue lolls out longer and flatter. This is a speedy way for the animal's body to cool itself adequately. While we don't need to worry about a cat knowing how to protect itself from the heat, many dogs aren't quite as reasonable and some will continue exerting themselves long past the point of good sense. It's up to us to monitor our dogs.

* Walk your dog during the cooler hours of early morning and late evening and avoid jogging or bicycling with your dog until the cooler weather arrives.

* Don't leave pets in your car while you run errands.

The interior can heat up like an oven in a short period of time. Whenever possible, leave them at home in air conditioning or fans running for ventilation.

* Don't forget to have fresh drinking water handy at all times. I often pop ice cubes into their drinking bowls to help keep water fresh. When walking my dogs, I carry a thermos of cool water and when hiking, I bring extra water to use as a sponge bath if a visit to a lake or stream isn't on our agenda.

* Muzzles can restrict breathing.

If your dog must wear a muzzle in public places, consider exercising your dog, muzzle-free, on your own property or keep your walks to a minimum, removing the muzzle as soon as you can. Your pet supply store can show you all the new muzzles that are designed to provide the same security while allowing the dog more comfort and room to breathe.

* All exposed areas of an animal's body (ears, belly, toes) can be adversely affected by exposure to the sun and those with sparse or short coats are even more at risk.

Many sunscreen products formulated for human use are toxic if ingested. Ask your veterinarian or pet supply store to recommend a pet-friendly sunscreen.

* All animals are at risk of heat stroke but some are more predisposed. Elderly or obese animals and those with certain health conditions plus brachyephalic breeds (those with flat faces such as Persian cats, bulldogs, pugs and Pekingese) are even more sensitive.

Consult your veterinarian for specific advice when dealing with special needs animals like these.

Last but not least, have your camera ready.

The summer months can provide superb photo opportunities while your pets relish the season rolling in the cool grass, swimming at the lake or just lazing around in a stream of sunlight. Enjoy!

E-mail jacque-newman@rogers.com with a question, comment or suggestion.