Summer is here, and although many enjoy basking in the sun and playing outside with pets, warmer weather is not always so kind to four-legged family members. Excelsior Springs Animal Control Officer Melissa Davis offered tips to keep pets safe in the summer months. Davis explained animals need access to shade and plenty of water. “If there’s a local heat advisory or heat warning, it’s suggested that pet owners bring their pets inside,” she said. On hot weather days, never leave pets unattended in a parked vehicle, she said, noting even with windows down a few inches, within minutes temperatures can rise and potentially cause pets to suffer heatstroke. Davis pointed out dogs are not allowed to run loose. The city requires dogs to be restrained at all times, including being on a leash, in a fenced in yard, on a tie-down cable or in a yard with underground fencing or wireless perimeter control system. However, p...