I truly believe summer can take a toll on our pets. The Summer Pet Care Tips helped in realizing things we took for granted. The tips are simple yet effective and a must read for all pet lovers.

Listed below are the tips I found very effective:

• Make sure that fresh, cool water is available for your pet at all times in a heavy bowl to avoid spills. Avoid using a metal dish as it will heat up in the hot sun. Clean and refresh the bowl daily.
• Brush and comb your pet daily to free them of loose shedding hair.
• Exercise your pet in the early morning or evening in the summer when it is cooler to avoid heat exhaustion.
• If you must tie your dog up, consider using a runner rather than a chain - it is much more humane and allows more movement.
• Don't take your along for a ride in the car unless it is absolutely necessary. You may think you'll be in the store for "just a few minutes," but delays happen, and your parked car can overheat to lethal temperatures in a very short amount of time -- even with the windows left open a crack.