Pets, like humans, are prone to sunburn, bug bites and more

Pets are part of the family, and when it comes to health care, they need to be treated like family, as well. Just like humans, pets are prone to sunburn, bug bites and overheating during the summer months.

"Pets can get overheated, especially if they're outside for long periods of time and don't have free access to water," says Dr. Shelly Daume of Deer Ride Animal Hospital in Jackson. "If it's too hot for people to be outside, you should bring your pets inside."

When your pet is outside, make sure he has plenty of access to water and shade. If he's tied up, make sure he can reach the water and shade at all times. Never, ever leave a pet in your car. When an animal is overheated, it can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke or even death, says Stacy Busch-Heisserer, owner of Busch Pet Products in Cape Girardeau.

"Dogs and cats can't sweat the same way we do -- they can only sweat from the pads of their feet or by panting to cool their body temps," she explains. "Since neither type of pet is usually an adequate water drinker, it's imperative that they have fresh, cool water available at all times, inside or out."

When outside on a hot day with your pet, watch out for heavy panting, trouble breathing, collapsing or a high body temperature, says Daume.

Pets are also prone to sunburns -- Heisserer even carries pet-safe sunscreen in her store, and she recommends using it when your pet is going to be outdoors for long periods of time. "Pets are not immune to bug bites, either," she adds. "Besides the usual nasties -- ticks and fleas -- biting flies and mosquitoes think animals are easy targets."

Daume says March through November is the prime season for fleas and ticks, and most pets will need flea and tick preventative on them, especially if they go outside. As for mosquitoes, Daume says to keep pets indoors when mosquitoes are at their worst, but if that's not an option, pick up a pet-friendly insect repellent spray.

Internal parasites are also a problem in the summer, says Daume. Your pet should be on a heartworm preventative all year long anyway, so in the summer, use a heartworm treatment that also covers intestinal parasites.

Pet owners also need to keep an eye on their furry friends during summer holidays and get-togethers. Many pets fear thunderstorms and fireworks, says Daume, and pets are bound to get into people food that might be toxic to animals.

"After a holiday weekend, we see tons of pets who got into stuff they shouldn't have," she says. Never give your pet meat with the bones still in it. Pork products and foods with a lot of fat tend to be problematic for pets.

"Any vomiting or diarrhea issues need to be seen [by a veterinarian]," says Daume. "If an animal is lethargic and not eating, that's a big sign for me. If a dog, especially, is not eating, something is not right."

If you plan to travel with your pet this summer, make sure you have all the essentials on hand: food, water, a leash, a collar with identification, bedding, favorite toys, a crate or seat belt harness and a copy of your pet's shot records in case of an emergency, says Heisserer.

If your pet does have a health scare, whether at home or on the road, call a veterinarian.

"When in doubt, call your vet. They are the experts," says Heisserer. "Understanding pet behavior can give you a head start if there's an issue. You know your pet better than anyone else. Be aware of how your pet is acting when he is healthy so you'll be tuned in to potential problems if they arise. Your pet will be counting on you to make a critical decision in an emergency."