Summer - it's just around the corner. Already in South Florida, we're seeing temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s. People are showing up on Monday mornings with their weekend sunburned faces.

Our beaches are getting packed with weekend warriors and we're starting to see some cases of heat stroke in companion pets. Hot, cloudless, humid days can be very dehydrating for your pet.

Yes, the ocean water helps cool them off a little, but shade and drinking water is what they need. If you don't provide fresh drinking water for your beach-loving pooch, he will drink the salty sea water, which will only dehydrate him more and can cause salt toxicosis.

So, if you want to take your canine buddy to the beach, do it in the early morning or closer to dusk, when it's less hot; also, bring shade, and plenty of fresh drinking water, too. And don't forget that it's dangerous - and illegal - to leave your children or your pet(s) in a car unattended. The inside of your car can reach 120 degrees quickly, so don't leave them in the car for even "just a minute."

Summer is also vacation time for many of us. If you are planning on bringing your pet with you, make sure you're going to an approved pet hotel. Remember, most governmental parks and recreational areas do not allow pets. Make your plans early if you're leaving your pets at home or need to make boarding arrangements.

Most cats would much rather stay at home, even if they only see the pet sitter once a day. You should be very discerning about your pet sitter because not only are you trusting them with your pet, you also trusting them to not pull a Tom Cruise-in-Risky-Business in your home!

Most boarding facilities book up early in the summer, so again, plan ahead. Be sure to inspect these places and investigate their policies about play time, administration of medications, food choices, vaccines, grooming, sleep areas and beddings, hurricane policies, and pickup and drop-off times.

Summer makes you think of hurricanes, too. The experts are predicting another busy season, so it's important to not only have a plan for yourself, but for your furry four-legged friends too. You can review my previous columns on hurricane preparation at www.fondrenpetcare.com.

If you take just a few simple precautions, you and your pets will enjoy a nice, long, safe summer of fun in the sun.