Summer temperatures can be deadly for pets, especially those left unattended in parked cars.  Even on a 70 degree day, internal car temperatures can skyrocket to more than 100 degrees in just minutes, which can cause heat exhaustion and death for pets left inside these vehicles.  It’s easy to remember the Humane Society’s life-saving motto this summer:  70 Degrees & Over, Don’t Take Rover!  Here are some weather animal safety tips for the hot summer months.  Leaving a pet in a hot, unattended care is inhumane and can cause severe injury or death within minutes. Harming a pet in this way is illegal, punishable by fines and imprisonment.  Act immediately if you see a distressed animal in an unattended car.  Call the local police.  A pet showing signs of distress such as heavy panting, unresponsive behavior, seizure or collapse needs immediate attention.  Immediately apply cold water to your pet’s extremities if they are showing signs of heat exhaustion, such as excessive panting, vomiting, lethargic behavior, and see your veterinarian promptly.  Make sure outdoor pets have access to fresh, clean water at all times.  Secure plastic water bowls, never metal, to the ground so your pet can’t accidentally tip them over.  Don’t allow your pet to be stranded in the scorching sun; give them access to shade at all times of the day.  Asphalt and concrete get hot quickly, which can burn your dog’s paws.  Protect your pet against fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, which are more prevalent during warm weather.  Have them tested by a veterinarian for heartworm disease and use heartworm prevention medication.  Avoid shaving a dog’s coat.  A pet’s coat is designed by nature to keep it cool during the summer.  Their fur also prevents sunburns.  Giving long-haired dogs a trim is okay, but never shave them completely.  For more information on how to care for pets during warm weather months, visit hsmo.org.