It’s summertime and, unlike the song from the musical Porgy and Bess, the living isn’t always easy for your animal friends.

Dogs and cats can suffer from the same problems that humans do, such as overheating, dehydratin, and even sunburn.

By taking some simple precautions, you can celebrate the season and keep your pets happy and healthy.

1. A day at the beach is a no-no, unless you can guarantee a shaded spot and plenty of fresh water. Salty dogs should be rinsed off after a dip in the ocean. And under no circumstanses should you allow your dog to drink ocean water. This can lead to severe electrolyte disturbances and even death.

2. Be especially sensitive to older and overweight animals in hot weather. Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs – such as bulldogs, pugs, and Boston terriers – should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

3. When walking your dogs, steer clear of areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. Also be on alert for coolant or other automotive fluid leaking from vehicles. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste, and ingesting just a tiny amount can be fatal. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888)- 426-4435 if you suspect that your animal has been poisoned.

4. Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle. Hyperthermia can easily be fatal. Even with the windows open, a parked car can quickly become a furnace in no time. Parking the in shade offers little protection, as the sun sjifts during the day.

5. When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog stand on hot asphalt. His or her body temperature can heat up quickly, and paw pads can also easily burn from the hot surface.

6. Good grooming can stave off summer skin problems, especially for dogs with heavy coats. Shaving the hair to a one-inch length helps prevent overheating. But never shave never down to the skin, which robs dogs from protection against the sun. Cats should be brushed often.

7. If your pet will be joining you poolside, do not allow your dog to drink pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that can cause gastrointestinal upset. And

remember that not all dogs are good swimmers; always supervise your dog when in the pool.

We are fortunate to live in one of the best climates in the world, and with some common sense and simple precaution, we can ensure our pets can enjoy this season as much as we do!

For additional tips on how your pets can stay healthy this summer, please call Ladera Ranch Animal Hospital at 949-347-6803, or visit the website at ladera-vet.vetsuite.com.