Greetings Caring Animal People (CAPs)!

I am super excited because summer is almost here! I’ve been playing outside without my jacket, chasing squirrels (when my mom isn’t looking), and digging big holes in her newly tilled garden bed. I’m sure she appreciates my soil-turning talents!!!

I just want to make sure you CAPs have thought about summer safety for your pets. Here are some key questions to ask yourself:

• Are your pets current on heartworm and flea preventive? Mosquitoes and other pests will be out in full force soon.

• Do you check the water bowl every day to make sure it is full and clean?

• Do you keep fertilizers and other dangerous chemicals out of our path?

• Are you aware of what plants in your garden could be toxic to us? Get a comprehensive list of toxic plants on our Web site

• Have you vowed never to leave us in the car while you run errands? Parked cars just become too hot, too quickly! What if your errand takes longer than the “minute” you planned for? Dogs like me can suffer brain damage, and even death, within minutes.

• Do you limit exercise of elderly dogs or those with a thick coat or a short snout to the morning or evening hours? If they like water give them a tub to soak in.

• Will you make sure we are in a secure place during barbecues, especially on the Fourth of July? Sometimes people get careless about closing doors and gates while they’re celebrating, and some of us are terrified by your fireworks rituals.

• Lastly, have you made an emergency plan that includes us pets? Summer is peak season for fires, hurricanes and other natural disasters. You can order pet disaster kit online at the UAN Store.

If you have any other suggestions, please post them here for others to see!

Wishing you a CAPpy, healthy summer,

Dewey, humble member of The Herd