How to Keep Your Pet Safe this Summer - Is Your Home a Safe Place for Your Pet?
My daughter, a vet tech is always alerting us to information we might need as pet owners. Even though we all do our best to keep our pets safe, many people don't realize all the ways their pet can be harmed around the house. Summertime adds to ours pets' safety needs, especially if you find your area in a heat wave. Here are some tips to keep your pet healthy and thriving in your home.
1. Don't leave your pet in a vehicle. You may think it is not that hot, but remember, your pets (well, most of them anyway) have a built in fur coat. While you may think their built in AC called panting is enough to keep them cool, it isn't. Especially when the temps in a closed vehicle can reach 120 degrees F in a matter of minutes.
2. Even if your pet is a good swimmer, don't leave him outside near a pool without supervision. Our pets can't fend for themselves in every situation.
3. If your animal is an outdoor pet, make sure you have adequate fresh food and water available. If your dog is kept on a chain, place the water where the chain will not turnover the water bowl. Provide shade for your pet. Not doing these things are considered animal cruelty. If in an enclosure, do frequent inspections looking for places your animal could try to get out and be hurt in the process. It is not unheard of for a pet to strangle itself trying to leave the back yard.
4. Know what plants are toxic to your pet. Dogs and cats may be attracted to the leaves of a plant in your yard that if ingested, could kill them.
5. Do not keep antifreeze/coolant where your pet can get to it. Antifreeze IS fatal to them and they are drawn to its flavor. Do not add antifreeze to your car when your animal is around. It doesn't take much to kill your pet.
6. Don't let your pet roam the neighborhood. In addition to leash laws in place in most communities, you risk your pet being mauled by another animal roaming the area. When your pet is off leash, it could get into a substance that will jeopardize its health. Your neighbors won't be too happy at the urine burns, dead flowers and land mines your pet leaves as it roams.
7. If your dog is a swimmer, be careful where he swims. Ponds have algae and some types are toxic. Check your pet's feet to make sure it has not cuts or open sores.
8. If you live in an especially hot area, save your walks for the evening or early morning hours when it is cooler. Remember, your pet is essentially barefoot.
9. Don't forget their heartworm medications. This is the time mosquitos are in high number and active. Not giving this medication to your animal can be fatal.
These are just a few of the things we all need to be mindful of with our pets. If you have any to add, please leave them in the comments below.
Article submitted Thursday, July 09, 2009 & read 129 times.
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