With the heat of summer, owners need to help their pets handle the harsh conditions.

The Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals provide several suggestions to make sure an animal is safe during the hot weather.

The SPCA first recommends that pets never be left in a parked car. The temperature inside a car, even when it is parked in the shade with the windows cracked, can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes. If it exceeds 106 degrees, heatstroke may occur in animals, which can cause seizures, organ damage or even death.

Heartworm preventative should be maintained for dogs and cats all year long. Heartworms are potentially fatal parasites through the bite of just one infected mosquito. During the summer months, heartworm preventative is especially important, because of the increased mosquito population.

Pets should exercise on a limited basis on very hot days. Pets should only jog or walk during either early morning or evening hours, since asphalt gets very hot and can actually burn your pet's paws.

The SPCA recommends that you provide shelter inside the air-conditioned home, but if your pets must stay outside, you should make sure it has adequate shelter with plenty of cool, fresh water available.

Pet vaccinations should be updated, especially for rabies, parvo, distemper and corona.

You should prevent flea and tick infestations for your pets by talking to your veterinarian about the appropriate product for your animal and its age and follow all instructions provided. Many accidental poisonings and deaths happen each year because people use the wrong product on their pet.