Summer Survival Guide for Your Pets

July 24, 2007 — -- There's a reason these are called the "dog days of summer" — just imagine living through triple-digit temperatures covered in fur.

Dr. Marty Becker dropped by "Good Morning America" with the top tips for dog and cat owners to make their pet safer, more comfortable and travel-ready during the summer months.

To find out about adopting the pets featured on "GMA" — Louie the Yorkshire terrier pup and Antoinette the kitten — visit the Humane Society of New York .

Which Pets Are Most at Risk in the Heat?

Do you know which pets are most at risk during these hot days? Very young, very old and overweight dogs and cats, and short-nosed breeds like pugs, bulldogs and terriers.

Short-nosed breeds (also called brachycephalic breeds) with pushed-in faces are prone to breathing difficulties. Dogs pant to get rid of excess heat, and these dogs are the worst panters, which inhibits their ability to get rid of heat. Think of a human who can't sweat.

If your dog or cat has a heavy coat, such as a sheepdog or a husky, or if you live in a hot, humid area like Florida or Texas, it's a good idea to give your pet a crew cut by cutting their hair to about 1 inch long. But be careful, don't cut their hair too short because it works as a natural sunscreen for your pets.

For other pets, a clean, well-brushed coat enables air to circulate between the hair and their skin, which will keep both dogs and cats naturally cool. Cats in particular need to be brushed frequently.

And here's something you might not know: Dark-haired pets heat up much more quickly, just like humans who wear dark clothes. For those dogs, it's very important to keep them out of the sun and their hair clipped short.

How to Keep Pets Cool

The two most important ways to keep pets cool is through shade and fresh, clean water. Becker suggested some products to help pets cool off.

Pet Tent

A pet tent provides shade with ventilation, and is easy to put together and take down when the season changes.

Duo Temp Pet Bed by Dolce Vita

Inside, many pets will sleep on the tile or concrete floors of the kitchen and bathroom to keep cool, but that can cause stiffness, joint and muscle stress. This new bed delivers cool air to the bed with a flick of a switch. It is also suited for the winter with a heat switch.

Towels and frozen jugs of water

Another great and cheap way to keep your pet cool is to fill gallon jugs with water, freeze them and then put the jugs in their bed, covered by a towel. It's just like a hot water bottle, in reverse.

Pet Fountains

One of the most important things for all pets it for them to have plenty of clean, fresh water. One low-tech way to do that outside is to place a water bowl under the outdoor faucet and let the water slowly drip into the bowl.

Another great way to keep the water flowing is with a fountain, such as the Petmate Fresh Flow Fountain. Not only does it keep fresh water flowing, but the sound of the water attracts your pets and encourages them to drink more water. And water bowls with reservoirs keep fresh water available for your pets and prevent them from tipping over.

If you're out for the day, another idea is to fill and freeze your pet's water dish and let your pet lap up the water as it melts.

Traveling With Your Pets

About 29 million people bring their pets along on vacation. Becker suggested ways to make the trip more comfortable.

Petmate Vari-Kennel Ultra

For your pet's comfort, it is ventilated on all four sides to keep pets cool, which meets federal requirements. There's a "moat" molded into the kennel floor to divert fluid and keep pets dry and comfortable.

To make things easier for owners, the kennel, which comes in sizes small to extra large, comes with a molded handle for easy lifting. An optional wheel accessory kit can make moving larger kennels a breeze.

As a security feature, there are special "tie-down" strap holes for installing a plastic "zip-tie" — very much like what you use on your own luggage. Plus there are tie-down straps to secure the kennel in your car, to keep it from sliding.

The kennel also has an ID sticker label so that your pet can be easily identified.

Pet IDs

Becker says it's best if you have your pet microchipped and have a permanent ID tag. Just as important when you travel is to have a temporary ID tag with your cell phone number and your travel contact numbers, such as your hotel.

You never know when your pet might dart away at a rest stop or out a hotel room door. If your pet has your traveling numbers, the person who finds your pet can get in touch with you immediately.