When the weather turns warmer, we protect ourselves from the effects of the sun. Our pets need to be protected from the heat, too.

Sunburn and heatstroke are obvious warm weather concerns. If your pet spends a considerable amount of time outdoors in the warm spring and summer months, apply sunscreen to any unprotected areas. Always ensure that your pet has access to shaded areas.

Heatstroke can kill your pet. Signs of heatstroke include hard panting, difficulty breathing, inability to rise, vomiting and rapid heart rate. If you suspect that your pet has heatstroke, try to cool your pet down with cold tap water and see your veterinarian immediately.

More tips on helping your pets beat the heat

• Never leave your pet in a parked car on a warm day. Within minutes, the temperature inside a car can reach a scorching 120 degrees. Follow this simple rule: If the car is parked, the pet gets out.
  
  
• Dehydration can kill. Ensure that your pet has a source of clean drinking water. Check the water bowl or bottle at least twice a day.
  
  
• If your pet is a reptile, it may have special needs. Cold-blooded animals cannot regulate their body temperature, so you must ensure that your pet's environment meets its physical needs.
  
  
• If your pet is kept in a cage or an aquarium near a window, ensure that it isn't getting overheated due to direct sunlight exposure.
  
  
• Does your pet like to swim? Dogs and pot-bellied pigs may appreciate splashing in a wading pool on a hot summer day. Fill a child's wading pool with cool tap water and let your pet have some fun in the sun.
  
  
• There is such a thing as "too cool." If your pet is very sensitive to temperature changes, keep the air conditioning at a reasonable setting. You may have to move your pet's cage or aquarium away from drafts from the air conditioning vents

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