The Houston SPCA (www.houstonspca.org) sent me this information reminding pet owners that summer presents potential dangers for pets.

Cars and trucks can be hazards. NEVER leave your pet outside in your car while you run errands. Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside can reach 120 degrees in just ten minutes. Too many owners have returned to their cars after a short trip only to discover their pet suffering from heat exhaustion.

One of the most dangerous ways to transport your pet is in the bed of a pick-up truck. Countless animals are thrown from the backs of these trucks every year. Even if you chain your dog to the bed, the dog may still be thrown from the truck and dragged down the highway by the chain. Transport the animal in a secured carrier or in the cab of the pick-up truck. In the heat of summer, the bed of the truck can become like a skillet, causing severe burns to the pads of their feet.

Proper shelter is always very important for pets and especially during the summer. If possible, pets should live inside your air-conditioned home. If that is not possible, animals should have access to adequate shade and shelter with plenty of fresh water at all times.

With the increased mosquito population in the summer, heartworm preventative is particularly important for pets. Heartworms are potentially fatal parasites spread through mosquitoes. In Houston, all dogs and cats should be on heartworm preventative year-round but especially during the summer months.

Check your pet regularly for signs of fleas and ticks. Houston's winters are not usually cold enough to kill off these parasites. To control fleas, treat your yard, house and pets. Remove ticks immediately. Consult your vet for flea and tick prevention.

Your pet should be up-to-date on all vaccinations, especially rabies. Please check with your veterinarian on what vaccinations are recommended for your pets. If you are planning a vacation and your pet will be boarded, ask your veterinarian if there are additional vaccines they would recommend for the kennel environment.

The Houston SPCA asks pet owners to be especially mindful of their animals during the summer and reminds us that June was the start of Hurricane Season. Hurricane Season in the Atlantic runs from June 1st to November 30th. Most hurricanes occur from mid-August to late October. Tomorrow on Animal Attraction...are you ready?