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Summer Pet Safety Tips

Keep your pet safe and healthy in hot weather

By , About.com Guide

11. Loud Noise Phobias: Fireworks & Thunderstorms

Fireworks display © Getty/Artifacts Imagesby Getty/Artifacts Images
The summer months can be noisy, and for some pets, this goes beyond the simple volume levels. The noise from fireworks and thunderstorms can terrify the pet to the point of physical illness or injury trying to "escape" the noise. Protect your pet by providing a safe place -- someplace small and familiar to your pet, such as a crate. Read this article for additional tips on keeping your pet safe during fireworks and thunderstorms.

12. Skunks - What You Need To Know

Why is this skunk raising its tail? (Hint: watch out!) by kreyton on Flickrby kreyton on Flickr

Many of us have had the unpleasant realization, usually at night, of "uh oh, my dog has been skunked!"

Getting rid of a bothersome odor is one thing, but are there any medical issues to be concerned about if your pet is sprayed by a skunk? The answer is usually "no," but read on for things to watch for if your pet has been sprayed by a skunk.

13. Porcupines and Quills

Porcupine quills are commonly found embedded in muzzle, face, head and neck of dogs, but can be found anywhere. The trouble is, quills keep moving inward. Learn more about porcupines, quills and dogs and what you need to do if your dog is "quilled" by a porcupine.

14. Protect your pet against Fly Strike (Myiasis)

Fly larvae (maggots) - photo credit: Dalius Baranauskas Wikipedia Creative Commonsby Dalius Baranauskas Wikipedia Creative Commons
Fly Strike is a painful and sometimes very serious health problem for pets; often seen when a pet is already injured or ill, i.e., draining wounds or experiencing diarrhea and so on. This unpleasant problem is caused when flies lay their eggs on diseased tissue or drainage of living animals and maggots are born. Maggots are the larve (immature form) of flies.

15. Protect your pet against Cheat Grass and Foxtail

Cheat grass © simplyliving on Flickrby simplyliving on Flickr
Late summer is the time to be on alert for various "invaders" from the plant world. As grasses and weeds dry out and seeds begin to scatter, this can mean trouble for pets (and annoyances for people). Daily checks and quick removal are the key to preventing serious problems in the future.

16. Parasite Control: Fleas

Electron micrograph image of a fleaby Center for Disease Control (CDC)
Fleas have a complex, 4-stage life cycle. Control of fleas on your pet and in your home must address all stages of this life cycle to stop the problem of flea infestation. Learn how various flea treatments work, and why a combination of pet and environment treatments are vital to a successful flea control program.

17. How to Safely Remove a Tick

Adult deer tick, Ixodes scapularis - Photo credit: Scott Bauer (USDA ARS)by Scott Bauer (USDA ARS)
Ticks are a nuisance to pets and people. Proper removal of these biting insects is crucial to prevent potential disease transmission from tick to animal.

18. Open Window Alert: Protect Your Pet From Falls

Cat on AC unit - credit: blhphotography on Flickrby blhphotography on Flickr
As the outside temperatures rise, many people open their home and car windows to let in the fresh air. Most pet owners assume that dogs and cats have a natural sense and sure-footedness to protect them from falls, but this is not always the case. Prevent a tragedy and protect your pet from accidental falls (or escaping into the neighborhood!) this spring and summer by securing your windows.

19. Camping With Pets

Summer Camping - Getty Images/Noel Hendricksonby Getty Images/Noel Hendrickson
Fresh air, recreational activities, camp food, campfire, and some well-deserved relaxation are all part of camping. Unfortunately, insect bites, burned or soggy camp food, lumpy beds, and bad weather conditions are often part of the camping experience, too. Learn how to avoid (or at least minimize) accident and emergency situations while camping with pets.

20. Pet Safe Yard and Garden Tips

Rusty by the Planter / Dan Harrelson on FlickrDan Harrelson on Flickr

Besides dealing with the heat, summer also means longer days, and for many, that means more time outdoors. Is your yard and garden safe for pets?

21. Share your summer safety tips

Micky the Puppy © makuneros on Flickrby makuneros on Flickr
The living isn't always easy if you are overheated, ate too much, or suffer from parasites. Have you experienced summer-related pet problems? Can you offer words of advice to prevent other pets from going through the same experience? Please

share your story here.

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