Ten tips for fun in the sun with your gay pooch

1. FIDO ON BOARD
When taking your pet out for summer fun, never ever leave him unattended in a car. The temperature in a car, even with the windows cracked, can elevate to deadly temperatures in minutes.

2. DOGGIE DIGITS
Even the most well-trained pets can get frightened and run off. Make sure your pet is wearing ID tags with your name, telephone number, the veterinarian's number and any vital medical information about your pet. And keep a list of emergency veterinarians in the area you'll be traveling to. You can also ask your veterinarian about the option of having your pet microchipped for identifi cation.

3. PORTABLE HYDRANT
Pets can dehydrate very quickly when playing outdoors in the summer heat. Bring along plenty of water. My favorite pick is the Handi- drink Pet Water Bottle. This combination water bottle and drinking bowl folds for storage and comes with a 60-inch strap for easy carrying. An optional carbon fi lter snaps on easily for 50 uses. Available in two sizes, 17oz. and 24 oz. www.drsfostersmith.com

4. BANDANA-RAMA
For the active summer dog, Cooling Bandanas are a great way to fight the heat. Made of cotton/polyester materials and fi lled with non-toxic polymer crystals these bandanas hold up to 30 times their weight in water. The bandana works to cool your dog as the water evaporates from the bandana while it's on your dog's neck. A reflective strip also aids in spotting your pet at night. Reusable and hand washable, the bandana comes in three sizes fitting necks from eight to 26 inches. www.drsfostersmith.com

5. CUCUMBER COOL
If your pet is laying in the sun, a Body Cooler Pet Mat is a must for keeping Fido chill. It's made of a nylon shell with non-toxic co-polymer crystals that hold up to 400 times their weight in water. No wetness of any kind will be against your pet's body and airfl ow activates cooling. Reusable and washable, this mat is available in assorted colors and sizes. www.drsfostersmith.com

6. SPLISH SPLASH
Playing in the water can be great summer fun but dogs can tire easily and they aren't always the best swimmers. Fido Float Life Jackets are made of lightweight polyester and effective for worry-free swimming. Available in orange or yellow, this easy-to-spot swim vest with buoyancy collar to keep your dog's head above water will put you at ease. Convenient handles help you lift your pet out of the water easily. Machine washable and available in several sizes. www.drsfostersmith.com

7. POOCH CREAM
Dogs can feel the effects of sunburn just as we can. If you're going to be in the sun use UVET Sunscreen Spray SPF 40 for total protection. It's packaged in a convenient spray bottle for easy application and even coverage. Fragrance free and gentle with long lasting protection from UVA and UVB rays. Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Octyl, Methoxycinnamate. www.drsfostersmith.com

8. UMBRELLA ELLA ELLA
Shade is an excellent place to take a break from the sun. Bringing a beach umbrella to provide your pet an escape from the direct sun rays will make him happy and give him a chance to cool down.

9. BAG OF TRICKS
Wherever you take your pet this summer, packing a "doggie bag" is a good idea. Include a brush, a comb, a small towel for quick clean ups, an extra long leash for control and some of your pets favorite snacks. It's also a good place to store important documents for quick access if needed.

10. SCRUB A DUB DUB
After a day at the beach or a run in the park, treat your pet to an aromatherapy bath with NYCanine Clean Shampoo and Conditioner. Made with South African Rooibos Tea to sooth itchy skin and give your pet a deep clean. The fresh calming scent of the Rooibos Tea which has 25 times more healing antioxidants than green tea will put your pet at ease and make you want to cuddle up close all night. Available at www.NYCanine.com.