By Robert Hudson

The Selma Times-Journal

While most know how to protect themselves from the sweltering conditions of summer, it’s also important to know how to protect your pets from the summer heat.

“Any animal that’s outside needs to have shade and fresh water,” said Sherry Marter, director of the Selma Animal Shelter. “They really need fresh water twice daily: once in the morning and once in the afternoon.”

Marter said pet owners can take other steps to ensure their pet stays cooled off during the summer.

“They can also buy one of those cheap, plastic swimming pools for the dogs to play in,” she said. “They really like to play in those and it keeps them cool.”

One of the top risks outside pets face during the summer is heatstroke.

Pets who are left in cars for an extended period of time are also at risk.

“One of the common causes of heatstroke I’ve seen in my many years is dogs being left in automobiles for extended periods of time,” said Dr. Lee Youngblood of Northside Animal Shelter. “When they’re left in the car with the windows up the heat can rise tremendously.”

Youngblood added pets that are over-exercised could also suffer from heatstroke.

“If pet owners are concerned about their pet suffering from a heatstroke, they can leave their pet with us while they’re out shopping or whatever and then pick them up later,” Youngblood said.

However, heatstroke is not the only risk pets face during the summer.

With a rise in temperature comes an increase in the mosquito population.

Marter said mosquitoes can cause heartworms in pets.

“It’s very cheap to prevent heartworms, but when an animal gets heartworms, it’s very expensive to treat, and it’s hard on the animal,” Marter said. “That’s why it’s important to give the pet a monthly dose of heartworm medicine, so you can save yourself some money in the long run, and it protects the animal.”