Noise phobia and blue-green algae pose summer health risks for dogs  

It’s no secret that fireworks continue long after the Fourth of July. & & For pet owners, it’s also no secret that noise can frighten furry friends. What is less known, though, are the other issues that might plague pets during the summertime. & Often, animal shelters see high intake rates during the summer months, according to the Shelter Animals Count National Database. & While there’s no local metric to reflect these rates, Dr. Melissa Justice, the companion programs director and veterinarian for the State of Indiana Board of Animal Health, identified potential factors that might lead to dogs getting loose or being surrendered. & “The most common thing for dogs to be getting loose would be thunderstorm phobias or noise phobias or fireworks,” Justice said. & It is important to pay close attention to dogs with noise phobias, as they might become frantic and bolt if they aren’t managed possibly, she added. & For noise phobias, she suggested covering up windows to hide lightning, or covering sounds of thunder or fireworks with music or a fan.& Fleas and ticks often can also become a burden. & Leading often to infections, the cost of medications can be an “unexpected expense...