As the temperature rises, so do health risks to your pet.

The BC SPCA is once again reminding pet guardians to play it cool with their animals this year, and offers tips on how to keep pets safe.

First off, don't leave your pet in the car. Even a car parked in the shade can pose a threat to your pet if the sun should change direction and heat up the car's interior.

The temperature inside a parked car at this time of year — even one that's in the shade — can climb well about 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit). Dogs can withstand high temperatures for only a very short time — usually just 10 minutes — before suffering irreparable brain damage or death.

If you see a dog languishing in a hot car, call the SPCA in your area or local police. Before the authorities arrive, members of the public can help prevent a tragedy by attempting to find the animal's guardian. If the car is in a mall or grocery store parking lot, for example, ask to have the owner paged over the building's PA system. If a window on the vehicle is cracked open, try to increase the airflow inside by fanning the pet with a portable fan.

In addition to not leaving pets in the car at this time of year, guardians should use caution when exercising their pets under the sweltering summer sun.  It's not a good idea to cycle with your dog in the summer heat, and if you run with your dog, choose cooler times of day such as early in the morning or late in the evening, and on soft trails rather than cement and asphalt, which can burn your pet's foot pads.

Always bring water and the number of a veterinarian so that you are prepared in case of an emergency.

Signs of heatstroke in pets:

• exaggerated panting (or the sudden stopping of panting);  
• rapid or erratic pulse; salivation; 
• weakness and muscle tremors; 
• lack of coordination;  convulsions or vomiting;
• and collapse.

If your dog shows symptoms of heatstroke, you should:

• immediately move the animal to a cool, shady place; 
• wet the dog with cool water; 
• fan vigorously to promote evaporation. Do not apply ice, which constricts blood flow; 
• allow the dog to drink some cool water; and 
• take the dog to a veterinarian.

To learn more, read our official press release or watch this segment from A Channel news in Nanaimo.

The BC SPCA rescues more than 36,000 injured, homeless, abused and neglected animals each year. To support our life-saving work, make a donation to our Heroes Fund for Animal Protection today.

The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations. Our mission is to prevent cruelty and to promote the welfare of animals through a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education, advocacy, farm animal welfare, spay/neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.