Vet urges owners to watch pets' summer health

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The arrival of summerlike weather is a good time for pet owners to remember their animals can suffer from the heat and seasonal complications as much or more than humans.

Purdue University Pet Wellness Clinic Director Steve Thompson says now's the time not only to think about heat stroke, but parasite control, noise phobia from storms and fireworks, and travel arrangements for cats and dogs.

Thompson says June is a particularly bad month for ticks, primarily for dogs. He also suggests testing dogs for exposure to the bacteria that causes Lyme disease at the same time they receive tests for heartworm. The ticks that carry Lyme disease can also infect humans.

Thompson says even cats that remain inside can be exposed to insects.