In the summertime, the living conditions outdoors isn't always easy for our animal friends. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (dogs/pets) can suffer from the same problems that humans do, such as overheating, dehydration and even sunburn. By taking some simple precautions, you can celebrate the season and keep your pets happy and healthy.

A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a wise start. If you do not keep your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) on a year-round heartworm preventive medicine have a heartworm test run to make sure your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) is negative. Ask your vet to recommend a safe, effective flea and tick control program.

Never leave your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) alone in a vehicle -- hyperthermia can be fatal. Even with the windows open, a parked automobile can quickly become a furnace in no time. Parking in the shade offers little protection as the heat outside can still overheat a parked automobile in the shade also.

Always carry a gallon thermos filed with cold, fresh water when traveling with your pet.

The right time for playtime is in the cool of the early morning or evening, but never after a meal or when the weather is humid.

When the temperature is very high, don't let your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) stand on hot asphalt. His or her body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.

A day at the beach is a no-no, unless you can guarantee a shaded spot and plenty of fresh water for your companion. Salty dogs should be rinsed off after a dip in the ocean.

Be especially sensitive to older and overweight animals in hot weather.

Coolant is poison to your pets. Make sure there are no puddles accessible to your pet.

Good grooming can eliminate summer skin problems, especially for dogs with heavy coats.

Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellant product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellant that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.

Having a backyard barbecue? Always kep matches, lighter fluid, citronella candles and insect coils out of pets' reach.

Stay alert for signs of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting and drooling and mild weakness, along with an elevated body temperature.

Never let your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog) off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm -- dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.

Always bang on the hood of your car before you start it if it is parked outside in colder weather. Small animals like stray cats will climb into the engine compartment from underneath to escape the cold. By banging on the hood of your car you can scare the animal out before you start the car. If the animal is near the belts it can be hurt or killed during the process of starting the car.

Thoroughly wipe off your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's (dog's) legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow, or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemiclas while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.

Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. A longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Consider getting short-haired breeds a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly.

Never leave your pet alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing an animal to freeze to death.

Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. You may opt to litter box train them inside until warmer weather is available. If your Cavalier KIng Charles Spaniel (dog) is sensitive to the cold due to age or illness, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

Make sure your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.