It’s finally summer, but can all of the pretty flowers in bloom spell trouble for you and your kitty? Make sure to check all fresh and garden flowers to make sure that they are not dangerous — or deadly — for your pets.

Tinsel, lights, food! The holidays offer many temptations for all of us, including our pets. Think about how you’re attracted to all of the glitz and fun of the holidays, and multiply that by 10 for your pets. Amid the holiday cheer, we know that hazards are lurking everywhere, but they don’t.

Tinsel, lights, food! The holidays offer many temptations for all of us, including our pets. Think about how you’re attracted to all of the glitz and fun of the holidays, and multiply that by 10 for your pets. Amid the holiday cheer, we know that hazards are lurking everywhere, but they don’t.

A favorite summer pastime for many of us is relaxing by a pool or a lake while unwinding from the day or — better yet — even spending the whole day poolside blissfully relaxed. If your dog is in tow, however, it is essential to stay alert.

Traditionally, vaccination during pregnancy has not been recommended, due largely to the potential that some vaccines can cause fetal damage or death when administered to dogs that are pregnant. Although the preferred recommendation is to avoid vaccinating during pregnancy, there are situations where the risk of maternal, fetal and neonatal infection with a potentially life-threatening virus must be weighed against the risk of vaccination, if the immunity of the dog is unknown.

Hitting defenseless animals, keeping them chained without exercise or leaving them exposed in severe weather all count as abuse. Mistreating animals can (and often does) escalate into domestic assault. Dial 911 if you suspect abuse. Police will respond. You can choose to remain anonymous, or by identifying yourself, you can help in future prosecution.