Being overweight can be very stressful for some pets in the heat of summer – especially the short-nosed breeds that can’t breathe as easily. Any respiratory or heart conditions will exacerbate the stress of hot conditions for your pet. Keep your pet as lean as possible and avoid the summer heat. Make sure your pet drinks plenty of water and use fans or air conditioners to beat the heat. Never leave your pet in a vehicle during the summer. It only takes minutes for a vehicle heat up enough to cause brain damage, organ failure, and death due to heatstroke.