In the car

The best policy is to leave dogs at home when the sun is out or even if it is just warm out. Every year, dogs die after being left inside cars while their guardians leave them often “just for a few minutes” to run errands, visit, shop, work, etc. And many dog owners are convinced that opening the windows a bit keeps the car comfortable.

A Stanford University test found that even if it's only 72 degrees outside, a car's internal temperature can rocket to 116 degrees within an hour. If it is 85 outside the temperature inside the car will be 102 in 10 minutes, 120 in 20 minutes even with the windows left open slightly. Hundreds of dogs are unintentionally killed or injured this way each year.

A dog whose body temperature rises to 107-108 degrees will within a very short time suffer irreparable brain damage or death.

Compassionate citizens who notice a dog at risk should ask the store to make an announcement for the owner to return to the car immediately. If there is no store involved, the police should be called. They will get the dog out.

Two other dangers to dogs are riding with their heads out of a car window or riding in the back of a pick up truck. In the latter case, all it takes is a sudden stop to throw the dog out into traffic.

Fourth of July

I learned the hard way how extreme a dog's reaction may be to fireworks of any kind. I had left my dog with a neighbor while out of town. She was being let out in the yard while they watched. Some people down the road set off some back yard fireworks. My dog jumped the fence and just kept running.

After driving the roads calling for her, putting ads in the paper and posters everywhere, we had all but given up when someone called and said they saw her. That was three weeks later. She was very thin but we were so lucky to find her.

I have known other dogs that jumped through windows or tore up the house trying to get out and run from the sound. If there is any chance your dog might hear fireworks around the Fourth of July or any other time, you will need to take precautions.

A tranquilizer given ahead of time is one possibility (from your veterinarian or a herbal one.) A calming pheromone like Comfort Zone is available in sprays or room diffusers.

And having the TV or music turned up as a distraction sometimes works. It is best not to leave the dog alone - and definitely not outside. For safety, keep both dogs and cats indoors and block access to stairs or balconies.

Thunder storms

It is not an unusual dog that is fearful of thunderstorms. You may have a dog whose body shakes, teeth chatter and who frantically tries to hide. The above solutions may work in this case as well as with fireworks.

Flea control

Flea control products for dogs can be dangerous for cats. The product ingredients are different for dogs and for cats.

Swimming and boating

Not all dogs can swim. Be sure there is a way out of swimming pools for dogs who do like to swim or dogs that tumble into the pool accidentally.

Be sure your boating dog is wearing a life jacket. They are available through pet catalogs and pet stores.

Sunscreen

White and light colored dogs may need sunscreen when out in the sun for any length of time especially on their noses and top of head or wherever their coat is sparse.

Sunscreens made for children are recommended.

Judy Vorreuter is the founder and director of Animal Advocates of the Finger Lakes. Contact her at judy@cayugaanimaladvocates.org