Through years of caring for pets as a veterinarian, I have seen just about every emergency situation possible. Though not all emergencies are preventable, there are some that can be prevented simply by learning more about your pet. My advice to all pet parents is to fully understand the breed you have and the genetic risks they could experience. For example, the popular French Bulldog, with its cute smooshed nose, is at huge risk for heat stroke due to its genetically shortened respiratory tract. These dogs should not be walked during warm weather, but instead should spend the summer days in an air conditioned home. Taking time to research the pet before it is brought into the home will ensure it will be a good fit for your lifestyle. A runner seeking a trail partner would be better fit with a Labrador Retriever than a bulldog breed. This is an extremely important step that pet parents can take to prevent a potentially life-threatening situation from occurring with their beloved pets.