Summertime, and the livin' is easy. Cool meals, long lazy days, more time to spend with the family and the family pet. And for those pets in the summertime, sometimes it's the dyin' that is easy. Summer brings on a special set of problems for your families best friend. Heatstroke and sunstroke are much more common than most pet owners are aware.

When an animal is left in the car, van, garage, doghouse, or even an unshaded yard, the risk of sunstroke or heatstroke is high. Even a ventilated area can be dangerous on hot, sunny days. Listen to the weather report; if they say you should take precautions watch your pet.

Monitor animals carefully for signs of heat or sunstroke during the summer months. If it starts vomiting, salivating profusely, or staggering around, call your veterinarian immediately. Other signs are rapid pulse, weakness of the limbs ( they can collapse) and in the case of white skinned animals profuse reddening of the skin.

While that call to the veterinarian is being made, here are a few things that can help you save your animal. Move the animal to a cool, shady place ( preferably a bath tub) and pour cool water over the head, shoulders and neck. If possible, immerse the animal in cool water. Use a water hose to wet down extremely large animals, before transporting. Encourage it to drink liquids.....water, 7-Up, coke.

If unable to contact medical help you should move the animal to a cool place after you have completely cooled them down and rub briskly with a soft towel. DO NOT try to completely dry them off. Continue to encourage them to drink fluids but withhold any solid food for several hours.

Animals, like people, who have suffered a sun or heatstroke will be prone to be heat intolerant thereafter. Remember, it is better to be safe than sorry-- especially where your best friend is concerned.

A big "no, no!" is to leave your animal locked in the car while you run into the store for a minute. More people have lost their pet to this kind of thoughtlessness than you might imagine. If you and "Phydeaux" like to go for a rides, do just that---go for a ride. Then take him home where he is safe while you go to the store. Makes for a much happier ending to the story.

With the advent of summer, you will always have a rash of animal haters making their rounds. The favorite poison, used by the person who wants to kill an animal, is a convulsant poison, such as strychnine. Many times people believe that their animals has been poisoned by a stranger but in fact have " done the deed" themselves by improperly using or mixing chemicals for flea control or yard pest control, Symptoms of poisoning by convulsants are: restlessness , twitching of the muscles and stiffness in the neck. Should the pet suffer with full convulsions, which include extended limbs and backward curve of the neck any stimulation in the animal will result in another convulsion. Generally, the periods between the convulsions shorten and death results. Seek medical help immediately! It is helpful if you keep the Poison Control Centers 800 available as they may be able to help with antidotes for many emergencies.

Keep a wary eye on your animals when working in the yard or house. If your animal ingests any substance, like cleaning agents, they will usually act like a strong emetic. Causing the animal to vomit and have diarrhea. Professional help will be necessary if the animal goes into shock. Anytime an animal ingests a corrosive agent such as lye, acids, etc. call your veterinarian and transport immediately.

Be very careful when taking your medications. If it hits the floor, with most animals it is fair game and gone before you know it. Treatment for narcotics, such as painkillers is to administer an emetic if the animal is conscious. Follow with an oral stimulant, such as strong coffee and keep the animal warm. Seek professional advise immediately! Rat poisons are frequently eaten by curious animals. Always take the box or bottle with you to the veterinarian so that he can see with what type of ingredients that he is dealing.

Clean up any antifreeze or all weather coolant before an animal has a chance to partake of the liquid. Because the sweetish odor it will attract them. Better yet, switch to one of the environmental safe ones that will not cause harm to your animals. Another unsuspected danger to animals is foliage. Ornamental and flowering plants are often highly toxic. If an animal happens to consume bulbs, they are often fatal. House plants are frequently poisonous, so before putting a new plant or animal in the same area, check with a nursery to see if the plants may be harmful to animals. If your animal has been nibbling on plants and begins to act strangely, call your veterinarian immediately!

Never, never mow, weed-eat or trim your yard with your pet helping. Remember how your ankle felt when that rock whipped out from under the mower? Pity the poor animal that gets hit. That "string" on the weed eater bites hard at noses and the ends of ears. Sharp objects are dangerous to all concerned, so practice all safety rules.