Summer has officially begun and that means it's time to enjoy the outdoors with your four-legged companions; however, it also means that the summer heat is in full swing. Make sure that your pets stay safe during the warm weather. Signs of heat exhaustion and pet overheating can include excessive panting, dark or bright red tongue and gums, a lot of saliva (especially if it's out of the ordinary for your pet) and even confusion. If your pet or any other animal in distress shows any of these signs, get him to a shady spot quickly and place cool water on his chest, belly and feet until you can get him to a veterinarian or call 911. If you plan on doing activities with your pet during the day, it's best to do these outside of peak heat hours of the day, which are between 11 am and 3 pm. Remember to pack fresh water for your pet as much as possible and keep them just as hydrated as yourself. July marks the return of popular events, including our annual Makapuu Sunset Benefit Hike, as well as Microchip Madness, an islandwide program in which Hawaiian Humane partners with participating veterinary clinics to provide $10 microchipping. It's a great time to help pets stay active and safe. | 
