Your pet is another member of the family, and they rely on you to keep them safe. That means being proactive and doing some pet-proofing indoors as well as being prepared when going outside. It is a good idea to educate your whole family and make sure everyone is following the same strategies to create a healthy, safe environment for your furry companions.
Indoor Safety
This is where your dog or cat spends the majority of its time, so there are many opportunities for them to get into trouble. Go through each room of your house checking for potential safety hazards and doing your best to mitigate these risks.
- Keep things tidy. Pick up any small toys or objects from the floor so your dog doesn’t accidentally eat them. Tuck away electrical cords and strings from miniblinds to prevent your dog from chewing on them or getting tangled up. Put their toys in an easily accessible place to keep them entertained.
- Skip the scraps. Keep table food out of reach of your dog. While several fresh fruits and vegetables are safe for pets, there are many ingredients that can be dangerous, including things like garlic, onions, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, chocolate, and xylitol. Teach your dog not to steal food or to expect scraps during mealtime. Remind everyone in the family of these rules as well.
- Lock up chemicals. While you are cleaning, keep your pet secured in a different area and away from potentially harmful chemicals. You don’t want them to lick any cleaning products or get them on their paws.
Outdoors
You have less control of your surroundings outside, so you want to be certain you’re taking steps to protect your pet.
- Get them microchipped. Even if your dog doesn’t spend a lot of time outdoors, microchipping adds another layer of protection in addition to the ID tag on their collar. Just be sure you register their chip online and keep your contact information up to date.
- Teach basic commands. When your dog knows commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel, it can go a long way in enhancing their safety, especially around other people and animals.
- Be cautious around other animals. You never know how another animal will react, so do your best to put your pet in a safe situation. Keep them on a leash and close by when outside. Slowly move away from wild animals so they do not feel threatened.
- Restrain them in the car. Letting your pet roam free can be incredibly dangerous. Get an approved restraint system so your dog is securely attached to the seat and can’t slip out an open door or window—or go flying should you get into an accident.
General Safety Tips
Here are some other general tips to keep in mind as well.
- Stay current on vaccinations. Protect your pet against various illnesses by making sure they are up to date on their vaccinations, especially if they spend time around other animals such as at a dog park, doggie daycare, or a boarding facility.
- Get your pet spayed or neutered. Not only can this help control the pet population, but it can also reduce the risk of certain health issues and unwanted behaviors.
- Have a pet first aid kit. You never know when an injury may occur, so have a special set of medical supplies specifically for pet care.
- Keep emergency supplies on hand. If a natural disaster should occur, you have to evacuate, or you lose power, do you have supplies ready to go for your pet so they have everything they would need? It’s a good idea to put a bag and checklist together for them just in case.
Are you going out of town? Book your pet a spot at Lake Wylie Pet Resort so you have peace of mind that they will receive the care and attention they need. There is plenty of space for them to play and relax in a safe environment. Plus, they can get groomed while there as well! Contact us today to schedule your pet’s next stay.