Spring/Summer

Pools/Lakes: Never leave your pet attended when they are swimming and always make sure they have an easy way out or the pool is enclosed and inaccessible.

Fishing Tackle: Colorful stinky fishing lures are very tempting to cats, dogs and birds and can be very dangerous. Hooks are usually barbed and can not be backed out until the barb is removed. Never try to remove these hooks on your own. Seek veterinary help to prevent tissue trauma.

Pick up Trucks: Dogs love to feel the wind in their faces but uncovered truck beds are a very dangerous place for your pet. Sudden stops or turns can throw your pet from the truck and can cause a major injury resulting from a fall or by being hit by an oncoming car. Additionally, there is a lot of debris and insects moving at high velocities that can cause eye injuries. It is best if your pet is secured inside your truck.

Cars: Never leave your pet unattended in your car. While it is never a good season to leave a pet in a car attended, summer can be particularly deadly. Don't lull yourself into a false sense of security by leaving the window open. It never takes long for heat to rise and you're pet to suffer from heat stroke.

Heat Stroke: This is very serious and you should always seek medical care. It does not always take much on a warm day for a dog or cat to experience heat stroke. If your pet experiences a heat related issue cover them with a cool wet towel and transport to your veterinarian immediately.

Bite Wounds: Many of these dogs at dog parks are harmless but when faced with certain conditions a dog can turn suddenly and bite.

• Stay close to your pet.
• Introduce your dog to other dogs and watch their responses.
• If all is friendly, then it is safe to let them play.
• If any type of aggression is shown, take your dog to another part of the park and find a new playmate.
• Do not try to break up a fight by getting in the middle. Use leashes or water to separate the dogs.
• If you or your pet receives a bite wound, seek medical help to prevent infection.

Windows: Whether you live in a private home or an apartment, you'll be tempted to open windows to let in the fresh air. Be sure to keep screens or protective bars on your windows to prevent your pets from escapes or falls. And bird owners should make sure their feathered friends are protected from drafts.