Pet Safety Tips

Pets can find anything in the house to play with, therefore it's essential to stay away from things like food items that could cause them to become sick or plants that are poisonous. The NC State College of Veterinary Medicine provides some useful safety tips.

The fireworks can be scary for pets, which is why they should be in an area that is safe, such as a crate or a secure room during fireworks shows. They should wear a collar with identification tags, and be microchipped.

Check the Garage

The garage could be an area of danger for pets including plants that can be poisonous for animals to chemicals and fertilizers. Make sure that all chemicals and cleaning products are kept in cabinets that are locked with a latch your pet isn't able to reach. Also, ensure that propane cans, gas tanks, and other materials that are flammable are not stored in the garage or within easy reach of a curious dog or cat.

Keep a photo of yourself and your pet ownership in your evacuation kit in order for people to recognize you should you are separated. You can also include your pet's favorite bedding or toys, since this can ease the stress of them during the evacuation process.

Check out local veterinary clinics, animal shelters and other pet-friendly accommodations along evacuation routes. Keep a leash or a harness designed specifically for your pet in the back of your hand. These are essential tools to keep them in control. Also, ensure that your pet is microchipped or wears a collar that is current with contact information.

Be aware that hot weather can result in overheating for animals and humans. Drooling, heavy panting and an increased heart rate are all indications of excessive heat. Pets suffering from respiratory issues or those who are brachycephalic (flat-faced) are at a higher risk of overheating.

The last thing to do is cover all garbage bins and recycling bins to prevent rodents accessing them. Keep trash in containers that pets can't access, and also remove any dangerous or choking objects like string or buttons. Close the lids on toilets for cats. The scent of a full tank could entice them to drink the contents, which could be fatal!

Create a Plan for a Disaster Plan

If you live in a region prone to natural disasters, it's essential to ensure that your pets are ready too. You can do this by developing a disaster plan and assembling a pet emergency kit.

A plan for this may aid you and your pet be prepared for an evacuation, especially in the kinds of disasters that have little warning. You could also create an inventory of your friends, family members or neighbors who will be willing to help your pets during an emergency.

Include a photo and description in the event that your pet is lost or separated from its owner in the course of a disaster. In addition, it is important to keep your pets on a leash or in a carrier at all times and make sure to keep them close to you in the event of an emergency. This will ensure that they don't wander away or become injured.

Remember that animals' behavior can drastically change during a disaster, and even the most gentle pets can become aggressive or defensive. In the situation of an emergency, your pets may be confused in the event that their scent markers that normally signify their home, are destroyed. Keep your pets in a safe place and under control at all time in the event of a disaster. Also, be aware of air quality as smoke can be harmful to pets and humans.

When preparing your pet's disaster kit, you should include basic items such as water, food medicine, first aid supplies in an airtight, waterproof container. Include a harness and a leash that fits your pet, a pet carrier that is suitable for their size, a blanket or favorite toy for comfort in a stressful situation. If your pet is a fan of canned food, you should include an automatic can opener as well. Also, remember to check your healthier pet's kit frequently to ensure that all the equipment is fresh and still usable.

Keep your pets inside

Some pet owners might feel it's a good idea to keep their pets in a secure area during holidays. Noises and fireworks that are loud can be extremely frightening for pets, especially smaller breeds or those that are already anxious. They can also be affected by the heat of outdoor celebrations and events.

Keep your pet and cat indoors during these occasions to safeguard them from possible threats such as fireworks that explode or being struck by an ill-lit Jack-o-lantern that is not lit properly. Dogs and cats that are not kept inside during these times even in backyards that are fenced or on leashes, could be at risk of being attacked by other dogs or encountering wildlife in the area.

Fireworks are dangerous to pets especially when they are lit. They can cause severe trauma or burns. The sound and light can cause pets to become confused or Pet safety tips even lost. If your dog is scared of fireworks, make sure to exercise him before they begin and keep him close to you or an trusted neighbor during the celebrations.

If your pet chews, move items that are easily swallowed like strings, small bones or toys out of reach, before you leave for several days. If ingested they can cause digestive distress. Certain plants that are seasonal like poinsettias and holly, as well as mistletoe are poisonous to cats and dogs.

Left alone in hot weather, certain pets and cats, particularly those with flat faces, such as pugs and Persians may suffer from heat stroke. It is crucial to keep them indoors during the hottest hours of the day. Provide plenty of shaded areas for them as well as cold water and food and do not leave them in cars that are parked, because this could lead to fatal heat stroke.

Avoid Walking on Frozen Water

In the winter, canals and lakes that are frozen are attractive to children and pets. These bodies of water are dangerous. No one should ever walk on ice or let their pet products do this. It is difficult to determine the strength of ice from visual inspection, and temperature fluctuations could change its consistency. Additionally, river ice often is characterized by currents that could make it weaker or even break it. Call 911 immediately if someone is injured by the ice. Do not try to save them yourself. This could cause more harm.

In addition the dogs should be leashed near bodies of water and should not be allowed to swim in ponds or lakes. Dogs may ingest contaminated water and then contract Leptospirosis which is a serious bacteria that can infect the kidneys and Pet Safety Tips other organs. Children may also be affected by the disease if they contact urine from infected animals and dogs.

Certain trees and plants can be harmful to pets. They must be avoided. Japanese yews, in particular contain toxins that can cause blood pressure and heart rate issues in cats and dogs when they are consumed. Daffodils, tulips and other flowers contain poisonous bulbs that can cause stomach upset and obstruction issues in pets when dug up and eaten.

Animals' behavior can change dramatically in the aftermath of a catastrophe, flash flooding or storm. When they are scared or unfamiliar they might act aggressively. When they are out, it is best to keep them in carriers or leashes and to be taught the basic safety rules. This includes teaching them how to behave around children, guests, and strangers.

Make Sure Your Pet Has a Leash

Leashes are a string or rope attached to a dog's collar which assists the owner in controlling the animal on walks. Leashes are vital for your pet's safety and security.

Many cities have laws that require dogs to be leashed in parks and public spaces. This is not only for your safety however, but also for the safety of other people and animals. Dogs who are allowed to run free may end up getting hit by cars and even causing accidents. They can also be injured by other dogs or wildlife.

When a dog is not on a leash, they can sniff things that could be harmful to them or even dangerous, like other people's feces or poisonous plants. It is also possible to get polluted water or puddles with pesticides.

In addition to being a legal requirement, leashes aid in training your dog and make them more secure in everyday situations. They keep them from running after other animals and people, running off into traffic areas or other risky places, eating or sniffing things they shouldn't, tearing up lawns, and getting lost during walks.

Leashes are also important since they make you more visible when walking your dog. Some people are afraid of dogs and become angry or fearful when one approaches them. Leashes are also useful for those suffering from allergies or sensitivities to certain scents.