Showing posts with label pet safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pet safety. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 15, 2014

"National Pet Fire Safety Day" July 15, 2014


The National Fire Protection Association estimates that each year over 500,000 pets are impacted by house fires.  In the effort to increase awareness,  July 15th has been designated National Pet Fire Safety Day. The goal is to educate pet owners to the dangers of an unexpected emergencies, such as a fire,  and to help plan for the safety of their pets.  

Here are tips from the American Kennel Club to keep your pet safe from house fires:

  • Extinguish Open Flames - Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.
  • Pet Proof the Home - Take a walk around your home and look for areas where pets might start fires inadvertently, such as the stove knobs, loose wires and other potential hazards. 
  • Secure Young Pets - Especially with young puppies, keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home.
  • Keep Pets Near Entrances - When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them. 
  • Practicing Escape Routes with Pets - Keep collars and leashes at the ready in case you have to evacuate quickly with your pet or firefighters need to rescue your pet.
  • Affix a Pet Alert Window Cling - Write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets. 
  • Keep Your Information Updated - Firefighters are familiar with pet alert window clings so keep the number of pets listed on them updated. Knowing the accurate number of pets in the house aids rescuers in finding all of your pets.
  • Use Monitored Smoke Detection Services - As an added layer of protection beyond battery-operated smoke alarms, smoke detectors connected to a monitoring center help save pets who can't escape when left home alone.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014

July 4th Pet Safety Precautions

The Fourth of July is a time of celebrations with family and friends, often ending with a beautiful and thrilling extravaganza of fireworks. However, for many pets it is a nightmare.  Pets' senses are different from people and the loud and unpredictable sounds and lights can cause your pet great anxiety. 

To keep your pet calm during the July 4th celebration consider the following tips:
  • Keep your pet inside the house as far away from the source as possible
  • Background sounds can help sooth the animal...play tv, music etc.
  • If you know your pet is sensitive, prescription medications or holistic supplements such as Psystabil, which is a gentle calming formula, helps dogs and cats reduce anxiety.
  • Make sure your pet has identification; including an ID tag and microchip (with up to date information).  American Humane Association reports that July 5 is one of the busiest day of the year for animal shelters due to animals panicking and getting lost. 
Fireworks are not the only danger for your pets during  Independence day. Here are a few other pet safety precautions: 
  • Make sure your pet is in a cool place with plenty of water. In many places the 4th of July can be an extremely hot time of year.
  • If you are planning a large celebration, consider keeping your pet in another location within your home.  Strangers and crowds can be stressful to your dog or cat, which can lead to aggressive behavior.
  • Keep your pet from consuming people food and drinks.  They can cause gastrointestinal problems for your pet.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014

PET FIRST AID TIPS



April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month and a great time to refresh and update your animal safety plans. Our pets are surrounded by household hazards, that can lead to accidental injury, choking on a toy, or ingesting something toxic.  If an accident happens, being prepared, and knowing what to do in the initial moments, can make a big difference in the outcome.  

HEAT STROKE

Heat stroke is a common problem pets face in the warmer weather. You should remember that the inside of a car can quickly reach 120 degrees, and not leave an animals in the car, even during short trips.   I'm sure you have felt the anguish of walking by a car where the windows are barely open and a dog is crying or barking in the car.

The signs of heat stroke include:
  • heavy panting
  • unable to calm down 
  • gums may be brick red 
  • fast pulse rate
  • pet may have difficulty walking or standing
If you suspect your pet has heat stroke, call your veterinarian immediately.  Heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage so getting the pet to an emergency clinic is crucial.  If not near a veterinary facility, call the vet and try to cool your pet down. The easiest way to do this is by using the water hose or placing cold wet towels on your pet.

INJURY

During warmer weather, we all tend to leave doors and windows open, which if heights are involved, can be hazardous to a pet. The pet could fall from a window or run outside of your home and get hit by a vehicle. If you find an injured animal, it is important to use caution:
  • Animals in pain can be aggressive--if possible, muzzle the pet and try to keep them calm
  • Clean the area, to determine the extent of the injury   
  • Apply bandage to stop bleeding 
  • Transport, to the nearest veterinarian, using a board or blanket to lift the animal. (use extreme caution to protect their spine)
POISONOUS SUBSTANCES
Plants, flowers, candy containing XYLITOL, chocolate and other foods can be hazardous. Visit the ASPCA Poison Control web site to find out which plants and flowers are poisonous to animals. If you think your animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance,  please contact your veterinarian immediately.

CHOKING

If your pet’s airway is completely obstructed by an object, there will be no time to go to the veterinarian for help—you need to take immediate action. Here are the recommended steps from PetMD.com
  1. Use both hands to open the mouth, with one hand on the upper jaw and the other on the lower.
  2. Grasping the jaws, press the lips over the dog’s teeth so that they are between the teeth and your fingers.
  3. Look inside the mouth and remove the obstruction with your fingers.
  4. If you can’t move the object with your fingers, use a flat spoon handle to pry it away from the teeth or roof of the mouth.
EMERGENCIES AND YOUR PET
Don’t forget to include pets in planning for emergencies in your home or neighborhood, which could be a fire, flood, hurricane or earthquake. Most Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns. Know which friends, relatives, hotels, or boarding facilities will accept pets in an emergency. In case of an emergency, it is important to have the following for your pet: 
  • Assemble an easy-to-carry kit with emergency supplies for pets: Leashes, harnesses and/or carriers
  • Food, drinking water, bowls, manual can opener
  • Medications and copies of medical records
  • Current photos of the pets (in case you get separated)


Sunday, January 26, 2014

Cold Weather Safety for Your Pet



Winter is here and with it the cold weather. It also requires some special care and considerations for your pet's safety.  Here are some things to remember

  • Preventive Care Exam-The cold weather can make certain conditions worse and they may need extra support during this time of year for example arthritis may be more painful.
  • Cold Weather Tolerance- Be aware that each pet will have it's own tolerance for cold depending on coat, body fat, activity level,  age (puppies have a lower tolerance) and health. Diseases such as diabetes, heart and kidney disease may make it harder for them to regulate their body temperature and arthritis may be more painful.
  • Grooming and Dressing-Keeping your pet's coat longer during the winter can help keep them warm. Also dressing them properly (coat and booties) can help them maintain their body temperature. 
  • Avoid Over Exposure To the Cold - Even if they are dressed properly over exposure should be avoided.  This includes leaving your pet outside for long periods of time even in a car (just as in summer it can be dangerous) Frost-bite and Hypothermia can set in quickly.
  • Ice- Be caution of frozen bodies of water and don't let your dog off their leash. It might be thinner than you think. It can also be slippery and injury can occur
  • Wipe Their Paws and Coats- Paws can get dry and crack causing pain and infection. Wiping and check paws regularly can help. They may also come in contact with potentially hazardous substance (salt, antifreeze, deicers) and by wiping them down you can reduce the risk. 
  • Warm Place-Provide a warm safe place (away from drafts) for your pet.  Consider moving your outdoor pets inside. 
  • Plan Ahead- Be prepared for severe weather, blizzards, and power outages. Make sure you have enough supplies on hand in case of an emergency (food and medications).


Wednesday, January 1, 2014

New Year Resolutions for Pets

Happy New Year! It is the time of year when many of us are thinking about making resolutions. The most common resolutions for people can also apply to your pet.  So, as you begin your planning, be sure to include your pets and make 2014 the best year for both of you.


I will commit to a good nutrition plan
Just like people, good nutrition for your pet is the key to good health.  Often a  poor diet is responsible for health problems including obesity and associated diseases, skin and coat problems,  and allergies. Giving your pet a well balanced, age appropriate diet will help ensure a happy, healthy pet.  It is also important that the quantity of food that you give matches the life stage and activity level of your pet. Click here to learn more about what to look for in a good diet for your cat or dog.

I will commit to regular exercise with my pet
Regular exercise is important to keep your pet in good physical shape and reduce the risk of obesity.  It also reduces the risk of heart and joint problems.  It can be as simple as a daily walk or can be more strenuous depending on your pets physical condition. Exercise is a great way to bond with your pet and as an added benefit, an exhausted dog is less likely to engage in destructive behaviors. To exercise a cat, you could play with them, making them chase a feather or string. 

I will commit to maintaining good grooming practices 
Regular grooming including, bathing, coat maintenance,toe nail clips, and teeth brushing (or non-anesthetic cleanings). They are not just to help your pet look good, but are important to their overall health.  Yes, no one likes a smelly dog or enduring “cat breath” , but they could be an indicator of an underlying medical condition.  If the problem does not resolve with regular grooming, please seek assistance from your veterinarian.  

I will commit to getting health check ups
A visit to your veterinarian regularly is a good way to stay ahead of any potential problems. Preventive care is much less expensive than waiting to deal with a major illness or condition and it can also save your pet from suffering.  Annual laboratory tests for all pets (even young pets) provides a “baseline” which can be invaluable.  Learn more about pet health conditions.

I will commit to keeping my pet safe
Keeping pets safe is something most pet owners take for granted, but there could be hazards lurking everywhere.  Take the time to make precautions in your home and yard.  Analyze what toxic substance your pet could gain access to and what chemicals are used in the area your pets reside. Also include an assessment of physical hazards such as fencing, choking hazards, swimming pools and anything that they could get caught on or fall from.

I will commit to ensuring my pet gets enough love and attention
Life gets busy and all too often, our pets take a backseat to other demands. Try to make time for your pet---quality can be more important than quantity.  Sometimes a neighbor or family friend may be eager to help you care for your pet and pet sitters can fill in for you on a long day.  Many doggie playcare places are affordable and can take the stress off of you if you are working long hours.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Kids and Pet Safety -- Tips For Introducing Children to New Pets


Kids and pets can be a wonderful combination! However, some caution should be given when children and pets interact.  It is not a good idea to leave a young child unsupervised with an animal. You never know what can happen even with the most trustworthy children and pets.
Here are three more suggestions for introducing children to new pets:

1) Teach your children to always ask first before petting an unknown pet. Pets are like people and made up of different temperaments, some are people lovers and some may be more shy and feel defensive when approached.

2)  After asking if the pet is friendly, teach your child to reach out with their palm facing up and allow the pet to sniff. Then show your children the safe places to pet the cat or dog, such as under the chin, while avoiding the top of the head and tail. This will help the animal not feel threatened.

3) Let the pet approach the child rather than chasing after the pet.   This will ensure a great time is had by all.