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Never leave your pet alone in the car.  Even with the car running and the air conditioner on, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels.  On an 85°degree day, with the windows opened slightly, the temperature in the car can reach 102° in 10 minutes and 120° in 30 minutes. When in doubt, leave your pet at home.

Exercise during cooler hours. Pets may be eager to be outside during the summer, but its important to pay attention to temperature and humidity levels. Exercise your pet when temperatures are cooler, such as in the early morning or evening hours, especially if they are overweight or flat-faced.  Also remember, if the asphalt is too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for their paws, so encourage them to walk on grass if possible.

Protect against external parasites. Fleas, ticks, and heartworms (transmitted by mosquitoes) are out in force during the summer months.  Protect your pet year-round with preventative medicine as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Many dog owners are noticing small (less than 1 inch diameter), bullseye patterned marks on the underside of their dog. These marks are often caused by a species of gnat that emerges from the grass and bites the dog. The bites cause a bullseye mark that many confuse with a bullseye rash caused by the Lyme disease bacteria. It is important to note that dogs do not develop a bullseye rash with Lyme disease exposure, only people do. 

How do I know if my pet has storm/noise phobia?

Loud noises such as thunderstorms and fireworks can cause anxiety for some of our pets and it is not uncommon to see. Signs of anxiety that you may notice in your pet during a thunderstorm are:

Heartworm disease is found in many areas of the world, including the United States. It is a serious disease that can be fatal, even with treatment. It is caused by worms that can grow up to a foot long, and live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of affected animals.