With all the recent safety tips for summer and holiday celebrations, we know fur-babies deserve a category of their own. So here they are! These are some animal summer safety tips to keep those tails wagging!

• Provide plenty of water and shade (Pets can dehydrate too!)

• Keep those paws cool. They can burn and become painful. (Avoid walks on hot asphalt or concrete. It can also raise body temp.)

• Do not shave your pet (Trim only and leave at least an inch to prevent sunburn)

• Be vigilant in parasite prevention (Some are more prevalent in the summer like fleas ticks, and mosquitos which can carry heartworms, tapeworms, Lyme diseases, and other illnesses). Make sure vaccinations are up to date.

• Never leave pets in a parked car (Temperatures can increase rapidly. Car temps can go from 70 to 90 degrees in only ten minutes!)

• Try to plan pet exercise and activities for morning and late evening to prevent pets overheating

• Be aware of the signs of heat stroke (excessive panting, bright red gums or tongue, weakness, lethargy, stumbling, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, seizures. If you suspect your pant has had a heat stroke, cool him or her down with cool (not icy) water and call your vet ASAP)

• Some animals with flat faces (like Pugs and Persian cats) are more susceptible to heat stress and respiratory problems. Keep a close eye on them

• The pest control items brought out for summer can be harmful for pets. Keep lawn insecticides, rodenticides, citronella candles, and tiki torch products away from pets

• Supervise animals around a pool. Some animals aren't as good at swimming as others (especially older animals) and can fall in. Also, if a pet drinks the chlorine or gets it in its fur, it can be harmful.

Just remember if you need to rest and take a drink, the pets do, too! Stay safe out there this summer!!