Pet Safety Tips
Warm/Hot Weather:
Lawn chemicals can be toxic to pets. If you use a lawn service ask them to show you the bags of what they are using and read the toxicity information for pets. If you are doing your own lawns there are several products on the market that are safe to use around pets.
Heatstroke can happen very quickly in pets. Jogging, running, or even walking in extreme heat can be very dangerous. Remember that if they, as well as yourself, are not used to exercise take it slow and keep it short at first. Have plenty of water on hand for the both of you. Pavement can burn the pads of pet’s paws in extremely hot weather. If you are not sure of the pavement temperature pull off your shoe, step on pavement to check it.
Automobiles, It only take a few minutes for temperatures inside the car to reach up to 150 degrees or more when the outside temp is 80. If you have several errands to do, leave pet/pets at home or with a day care. Even parking in the shade on extremely hot days will not help the inside of the car to stay cooler. Try it yourself and you will see what your pet might be experiencing.
Hot pavement, if you would not walk barefoot on the sidewalk or pavement then it is to hot for your dogs paws!
Disaster Planning:
You can not be prepared for everything that could happen, but having an emergency kit and plan is a great place to start. Always have everything you may need for your pets, yourself (and maybe a few extra people and pets) for at least 3 days.
First aid kits for your pets should include: flashlights and extra batteries, triple antibiotic ointment, rubbing alcohol, Vaseline. Pepto bismol tabs, benedryl, hydrocortisone ointment, gauze bandage, buffered aspirin, peroxide, scissors, splints, muzzles, leashes, etc.
Water/Food for a few days, bowls for pets and cups/bowls for you. Don’t forget extra medication, I change ours out every few months. There are not only power bars for humans on the market but for pets of all types too.
Blankets, coats (for pet and you), booties for pets. Blankets also come in handy if you have to wrap up your pet to take to a Veterinarian.
Crates for your pets, if you must stay at a shelter or a friends house, your pet will be secure and won’t get lost or frightened by all the commotion. I have extra collars and leashes hanging on my crates in my car, in case I need to drive away in a hurry.
A muzzle and harness are good to have on hand too. Even your own pet can bite or scratch you when they are hurt or under stress.
You and your pet could become separated, be sure to have your pets tagged with current phone numbers where you or an emergency contact can be reached. We recommend having your pet micro chipped and keeping the number in your wallet and in your car glove box. If you move make sure to contact your microchip recovery program and update all information. Most microchips have a place to list your Veterinarian, be sure to keep all your information updated there too.
Winter Pet Care:
Housing – If you cannot keep pets indoors be sure to have a place for them elevated off the ground to prevent moisture accumulation. A door set to one side not in the middle will help to shelter pet from winter winds, sleet and snow. Outdoor pets require extra calories to keep warm. Keep water from freezing, thermal units designed specifically for this are readily available.
Roaming cats – May climb under vehicles to keep out of the weather or warm if the engine has not been off for to long. Check under the hood and honk horn before starting your car.
Frostbite and snow removal salt – Snow and salt should be removed from your pet’s paws immediately! Frostbitten skin is red or gray and may slough. Apply warm moist towels to thaw out frostbitten areas slowly until the skin appears flushed. Contact your veterinarian ASAP for further care. Snow removal products should be stored out of reach of pets and small children as their toxicity varies considerably.
Walks with your pet – Remember if you walk on pavement or in driveways where cars can leak antifreeze your pet may be in danger. All is takes is one lick of a spill or a little to get on the pet’s paws. Less than 2 ounces of antifreeze is deadly. Get your pet to the nearest vet as quickly as possible if you suspect antifreeze toxicity. Symptoms include ataxia (wobbly, drunken like behavior), paralysis, and non responsiveness.
Blankets/Sweaters – If your pet lives indoors remember that they may need booties or a sweater when going out for a walk depending on the breed/coat type. J Horses and out door pets need nice winter blankets to keep from getting chilled in winter. Investing in blankets and sweaters will save money in the long run to keep your pets warm, comfortable and healthy J Also consider heated dog houses or other heating devices made specifically for pets for any dogs or cats that live outdoors in the winter.
Christmas/Parties/Holidays:
Alcoholic beverages – An ounce of a 20 to 40 proof beverage can cause alcohol poisoning, and/or coma in small dogs/cats.
Artificial snow/flocking – Can cause digestive upset or be a respiratory irritant if inhaled.
Angel Hair – Is made up of spun glass. It can irritate skin, cause cuts, and damage eyes. If eaten, can cause intestinal blockage.
Tinsel and artificial icicles can also be ingested with the disastrous results.
Holiday trees – Place tree away from pets and high traffic areas of the home, tie top of tree with fishing line to ceiling or wall so it won’t get knocked over and use unbreakable ornaments. Dogs have been know to eat all kind of ornaments (including glass), as well as the tree itself. Trees are often sprayed with chemicals to prevent decay/drying out or to add a “pine” scent. Any of these things could be toxic to your pet. Please supervise pets carefully or restrict access to tree completely.
Candles – Flames or dripping wax can burn pets, or singe whiskers/hair. Also they are a fire hazard if pets knock them over. Please note that many products used for grooming are flammable and may cause your pet to ignite if anywhere in the vicinity of flames.
Electric cables/Holiday lights – Pets can be shocked, burned or electrocuted by chewing on cables or light strands. Keep pets out of reach of lights. The “chasing” type lights are especially attractive to some dogs and cats. Run your cables through PVC pipes to prevent harm or death.
Decorations/Gifts– Ribbon, trim, polystyrene foam packaging, glue, rubber bands, staples, foiled paper, string, tacks and tape can cause mild to serious complications or death. Keep secured out of pets reach.
Fire/Fireplaces/Ashes/Popping wood – Can cause bronchial irritation, burns, skin irritation and digestive distress. Keep all “fire starters” or artificial logs out of reach of pets.
Food – Holiday treats, such as rich, fatty food scraps, candy, bones, fish, pork and poultry, can be very harmful to pets. Do not allow friends/relatives to give your pet special treats, it could ruin everyone’s holiday (including your veterinarian’s).
Guests – Remember that people won’t treat your pet as you do and may feed them something out of kindness or sympathy. This can result in lots of upset tummies and a trip to the veterinarian. Also guests may let your pet out without your knowledge. Please put pets away or keep a close eye during busy times, when people are coming and going, and during dinner. Also go over the household rules with your guests so they know who can go outside, who not to feed etc.
Firecrackers – During the time when utilizing fireworks if your pet likes to play fetch PUT THEM AWAY! Pets that are afraid of the noise and lights are just as much at risk as pets that may want to chase anything you throw.
Low Toxicity: Poinsettia leaves/stems, balsam/pine/cedar/fir, tree preservatives, , tree ornaments, Styrofoam, and crayons/paints.
Moderate Toxicity: Fireplace colors/salts, plastic model cement, holly berries/leaves, bubbling lights (methylene chloride), aftershaves, perfumes, alcoholic beverages and chocolate of any kind.
Highly Toxic: Mistletoe (especially berries), epoxy adhesives and antifreeze, super glue
*Some signs of plant toxic poisoning: gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, coma, central nervous system or cardiac problems, or even death.
A few signs of plant toxic poisoning: gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, coma, central nervous system or cardiac problems, or even death.