Summertime is a time to think about sun, fun, and family vacations. But while we are enjoying the summer, we shouldn't forget about our furry family members who may find the long summer months a little overbearing. Hidden dangers lay in wait, ready to prey on the unprepared pet owner. Parasites and overheating are two of the most common summertime pet-related problems that are often overlooked.

Fleas are parasites that nearly everyone is familiar with, but they pose more of a health risk than you might think. Ctenocephalides Felis is commonly found on both dogs and cats. These fleas carry tapeworms, which your pet can contract by ingesting a flea, possibly resulting in an infestation that, if serious enough, could cause death. Fleas are also capable of inflicting a form of dermatitis that can make your pet miserable causing excessive licking, scratching, and biting in an attempt to relieve the itch. If a young puppy or kitten is infested with these parasites, the fleas alone can cause anemia and/or death. Pet owners living in regions that do not experience harsh winters, which usually kill the flea population annually, need to be aware of how strong the flea population is during the summer months. Keeping your pet on a sound flea prevention program is much better than trying to remedy an already existing problem. Whether you prefer shampoos, sprays, powders or monthly topical or oral treatments, there are many products commercially available to help fight fleas and ensure your pet's health.

We love to be outside enjoying the sunshine and fresh air, so why shouldn't our pets? While we can come and go as we please, they are at our mercy. A few things should always be considered when leaving your pet outside: plenty of shade or cover and extra water. It is best to always have more than one source of water. Even if the possibility of your pet's drinking all of the water is unlikely, there is always a chance that the bowl could be tipped over.

People generally know that pets need shelter to keep warm, but what about helping to keep them cool? Depending on the color or type of hair your pet has, he or she may be more susceptible to overheating than other breeds. If your dog is a "double coated" breed, meaning that it has a thick undercoat and a thinner top coat, it should NEVER be shaved down. The extra coat, even as hot as you think it might be, assists the dog in regulating its temperature and works to keep it warm or cool. If your pet has been shaved, the skin is directly exposed which can lead to overheating or rapid dehydration.

When traveling with pets, never leave them in a parked car unattended. With no air circulation, the temperature increases rapidly and can easily cause a heat stroke.

Everyone looks forward to summertime and vacations, and there is no reason they can't be enjoyed by the entire family, pets included. Get in the habit of noticing what condition your pet's coat is in and whether or not he or she needs a flea treatment. Always supply your pet with plenty of water and shady retreats while you are away from home. And remember the old adage - an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure!