Now that spring has returned to the Sacramento Valley, some risks to your pet's health have returned as well. Here are a few tips to keep your dogs and cats safe as the days lengthen, temperatures climb, and summer recreation begins.

We all know how hot it can get inside a car during the spring and summer, yet each summer veterinarians see pets suffering from heat stroke after being left in the vehicle for even a short amount of time. Even with the windows slightly open, the temperature can quickly climb to 120 degrees or higher. Dogs and cats don't sweat like people, so they cool their body temperature by panting. If the air is too warm, they are not able to keep themselves at a normal body temperature. Remember, even on a mostly cloudy day a pet is at risk of brain, kidney, heart or other organ damage that could prove deadly.

Also remember that extreme outdoor temperatures can be dangerous. Over-exertion on a very hot day can lead to heat stroke, and hot pavement can burn a dog's or cat's paws. Exercise in the morning or evening, and remember that if the pavement is too hot for your bare feet, it is probably too hot for your pet's paws.

Snakes, particularly rattlesnakes, can be a threat to pets. The venom of a rattlesnake causes many different problems in an animal's body leading to destruction of skin and muscle, severe pain, heart problems, shock, and life-threatening infections. Cats are most commonly bitten on the front legs, while dogs are usually bitten on the face or front legs. A vaccine is available for dogs at high risk of coming into contact with a rattlesnakes. While it is not 100% effective, it can significantly reduce the severity of the damage. If you suspect your pet has been bitten by a snake, seek immediate veterinary attention. Keep your pet as calm as possible. Treatment is aimed at reversing shock, intravenous antibiotics, pain medications, and antivenin if available.

Although it is a year-round hazard, it is well worth mentioning the threat automobile antifreeze poses to our pets. Antifreeze is a greenish, very sweet liquid that dogs and cats will readily drink. The antifreeze is converted in the body to a compound that is toxic to the kidneys and can lead to death in a very short amount of time. Making sure radiators don't leak and cleaning up any antifreeze spilled on the ground is is crucial. Store antifreeze containers away from pets. Recovery is possible in some cases if aggressive therapy is started immediately. An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure.

As outdoor adventures increase, many of us will be taking our dogs to the rivers, parks and mountains. Unfortunately, the number of dog bites to other dogs and people will likely increase as well. There are several things that can be done to reduce the risk. Spaying and neutering dogs is important to reduce territorial and pack aggression. Keeping dogs on a leash around unfamiliar dogs and proper early socialization make pets less stressed in unfamiliar environments. It is also important for your pet to be examined regularly by a veterinarian to identify painful or irritating physical conditions that can lead to unpredictable behavior due to the discomfort.

Let's all have a great northern California summer and keep our four-legged family members as safe and healthy as possible, for as long as possible. Your veterinarian is your partner in maintaining this health and I encourage you to have your pet examined regularly (at least every year) and discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

For more information, check out the ASPCA website at www.aspca.org.