With summer fast approaching, more pets will be spending extended hours outdoors enjoying the sun. However, pet owners should take note: a recent analysis of 2005 claims submitted to Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI) for dogs and cats shows an increase in several ailments during the summer months, such as ear infections, insect bites/stings, penetrating foreign bodies and heat stroke.

For most ailments, VPI received at least double the number of claims during one of the summer months as it did in February, according to the data. One example is a paw-penetrating foreign body such as a dog or cat stepping on a foxtail, piece of glass, or other sharp object. In February, VPI received 12 claims of this type, jumping to 76 claims in June and 87 in July.

"Pets are treated more frequently in the summer due to their increased exposure to the outdoors," says Dr. Carol McConnell, manager of veterinary education and services for VPI. "In the wintertime, pets tend to be indoors, comfortably sleeping by the fire. In the summer, when the weather is warmer, pets are exposed to more insects, higher temperatures and bodies of water, such as swimming pools, lakes and oceans."

Pet owners should be cautious about their pets being exposed to too much fun in the summertime. For instance, high temperatures can lead to sunburn and heat stoke. Exposure to swimming pools can lead to ear infections or - worse case scenario - a pet accidentally falling into a pool and drowning.

VPI's statistics underscore the importance of summer-month precautions. Claims for hyperthermia (heat stroke) went from four claims in February to 50 claims in July. Insect bites and stings saw an increase from 68 claims in February to 311 in August.

Below, Dr. McConnell provides explanations for the higher-numbered claims as well as tips for pet owners to prevent some of these maladies from afflicting their own pets:

Foreign Bodies: Foxtails - a type of grass with sharp points throughout the grass awn - are common in dry summer months, Dr. McConnell explains. The sharp points force the grass awn to move forward (not backward), allowing the foxtail to imbed in the pet's paw, ears, eyes, or nose. As a penetrating foreign body, the foxtail inevitably causes an infection.

Stings/Bites: Insects and spiders of all shapes and sizes come out of their hiding places in the summer months. Mosquitoes congregate near pools of water. Dr. McConnell recommends ridding your yard of even the shallowest pools of water (including the toddler's pool) so mosquitoes don't breed. Additionally, pet owners should keep their pets away from bees, wasps and woodpiles that may harbor spiders.

Hyperthermia: To prevent heat stroke during the summer, Dr. McConnell recommends keeping pets indoors as much as possible during the warmest hours of the day (usually 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Never leave your pet in the car unattended.

Burns: Hot sidewalks can be downright painful for pets, and could account for the rise in claims for burns, says Dr. McConnell. In addition to burns on the pet's paws, sunburns are more common in the summer months, especially on body areas not protected by fur or dark skin. Pet owners should keep their pet indoors as much as possible during the times of day when the sun is at its peak, she adds.

Otitis Externa: Ear infections are frequently caused by water getting trapped in a dog's ear after swimming or bathing. If your pet is prone to water activities in the summer,
speak to your veterinarian regarding specific ear cleaning products that will help dry the ear canal after water exposure to prevent recurring ear infections.

Near Drownings: Although relatively rare, cases of near drownings do increase in summer months. If this happens, be sure to keep the pet warm, and dry thoroughly with towels. Then, take the pet to the veterinarian immediately.

Medical Coverage: "Protecting your dog or cat with a pet health insurance policy is not only a smart decision prior to summer months, but all year round," adds Dr. McConnell. Medical policies will help defray costs when pet owners have to seek veterinary care for thousands of seasonal ailments.

About Veterinary Pet Insurance

Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency is the nation's oldest and largest pet health insurance company. Providing pet owners with peace of mind since 1982, the company is committed to being the trusted choice of America's pet lovers and an advocate of pet health education. VPI Pet Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for thousands of medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Optional Vaccination & Routine Care Coverage is also available.

Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Policies are underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and in all other states by National Casualty Company, an A+15 rated company in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 1-877-280-8871 or visit Veterinary Pet Insurance