The idea for this month’s article was brought about by the suggestion of our friend Murray Price.

He had seen a pet in a car and wanted to make sure owners were aware of the dangers of a hot car.

I decided to cover that and discuss preparing for a disaster as we head into the busy hurricane season.

At the American Veterinary Medical Association national meeting, I was reminded how much information is available at their site for the pet owner. I have used a lot of their information for this article.

Here are 8 things you can do to protect your pet in the summer’s hottest month.

1. Never, ever leave your dog or cat in the car.

2. Make sure your dog or cat has lots of fresh water.

3. Make sure they have shade when outside.

4. Take your dog for walks during the cooler hours of the day.

5. When walking, try to stay off hot surfaces like asphalt because it can burn your dog’s paws.

6. If you think it’s hot outside, it’s even hotter for your pet. Make sure your pet has a means of cooling off.

7. Keep your dog or cat free of external parasites (fleas, ticks) and heart-worms. Consult your veterinarian about the best product for your pet.

8. Clip or shave dogs with long coats. Talk to your veterinarian first to see if it’s appropriate for your pet and apply sunscreen to your dog’s skin if she or he has a thin coat and is spending time outside during the most intense sun times.

I have included a chart that shows just how hot your car can become even when the temperature is not in the 90s.

Because we live in the South, warmer temperatures don’t just occur in the summer. You can see that it doesn’t take long for the car to start to heat up.

My 2nd topic is planning for disasters and developing a Pet Evacuation Kit.

Ideally you wish to have one ready long before it is needed. Store it in an easy to carry, waterproof container easy to “grab and go.”

Listed below are what you should have in the kit based on AVMA guidelines.

Food and Medicine

• 3-7 days’ worth of dry and canned (pop-top) food

• 2-weeks of medicine

• 7 days’ supply of water

• Feeding dish

• Water bowl

• Liquid dish soap

Food and medicine must be rotated and replaced to ensure they don’t expire.

First Aid Kit

• Anti-diarrhea liquid or tablets

• Antibiotic ointment

• Bandage tape, scissors & cotton bandage rolls

• Flea and tick prevention if needed in your area

• Isopropyl alcohol/alcohol prep pads

• Latex gloves

• Saline solution

• Towel and washcloth

• Tweezers

Sanitation

• Litter, litter pan and scoop (shirt box with plastic bag works well for pan)

• Newspapers, paper towels and trash bags

• Household chlorine beach or disinfectant

Important Documents

• Identification papers including proof of ownership

• Medical records and medication instructions

• Emergency contact list, including veterinarian and pharmacy

•Photo of your pet, preferably with you

Travel Supplies

• Crate or pet carrier with contact information

• Extra collar/harness with ID tags and leash

•Flashlight, batteries

• Muzzle

Comfort Items

• Favorite toys and treats

• Extra blanket or familiar bedding

After the Disaster

• Check inside and outside your home for sharp objects, dangerous material, dangerous wildlife, contaminated water, downed power lines or other hazards.

• Examine your pet closely and contact your veterinarian immediately for injuries or signs of illness.

Familiar scents and landmarks may have changed. This can confuse your pets.

• Release equines/livestock in safe and enclosed areas only. Initial release should take place during the day when the animals can be closely observed.

• Release cats, dogs and other small animals indoors only. They could encounter dangerous wildlife and debris if allowed outside unsupervised and unrestrained.

• Release birds and reptiles only if necessary and only when they are calm and in an enclosed room.

• Reintroduce food in small servings, gradually working up to full portions if pets have been without food for a long time.

• Allow uninterrupted sleep to allow pets to recover from trauma and stress.

The disruption of routine activities can be the biggest cause of stress for your pets, so try to re-establish a normal schedule quickly.

Comfort each other. The simple act of petting and snuggling can reduce anxiety for you and your pets.

If you notice any signs of stress, discomfort, or illness, contact your veterinarian to schedule a checkup.

For Lost pets

• Physically check animal control and animal shelters DAILY for lost animals.

• Some emergency response agencies may use social media (Facebook, etc.) to post information about lost and found animals.

• Post waterproof lost animal notices and notify local law enforcement, animal care and control officials, veterinarians and your neighbors about lost pets.

• Use online resources for lost and found animals.

If your animal has a microchip, notify the microchip registry that your pet is missing. Ideally microchip-ping your pet can help you find them sooner.

Remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be followed by immediate veterinary care.

We should be prepared to care for our furry companions in emergencies.

Here are a few points:

• A pre-determined disaster plan will help you remain calm and think clearly.

• Communicate and cooperate with all emergency personnel.

• If you must leave the premises let others know where you are going and remain in contact with them.

For more information visit www.avma.org and www.veterinarypartner.com .