Summer safety tips

Though the mornings are deceptively cool, it is definitely summer here in Poughkeepsie.

The warmer months, as we are all aware, can be bad for pets.

The Humane Society of the United States has some tips for keeping pets safe and healthy during the summer.

See them here.

They, of course, include never leaving your pet in the car or put it in the back of a truck.

It is very dangerous, and in some states illegal, to drive with a dog in the back of a pick-up truck. Not only can flying debris cause serious injury, but a dog may be unintentionally thrown into traffic if the driver suddenly hits the brakes, swerves, or is hit by another car. Dogs should ride either in the cab (in a crate or wearing a seat belt harness designed for dogs) or in a secured crate in the bed of the truck.

And a reminder since today is the Fourth of July, please make sure your pets have identification tags, so if they happen to get spooked by the fireworks and get out of the house or yard they can be returned to you.

Happy July 4th, everyone.