How to Keep Your Pet Safe Inside and Outside Your Home
Your pet’s sense of curiosity and smell can land them in a heap of trouble if you don’t take precautions. In honor of National Animal Safety and Protection Month, our team shares tips on how to keep your furry pal safe inside and outside your home.
#1: Teach your pet obedience skills
Being able to count on your pet to listen to you when you tell them to “leave it,” “drop it,” or “come here” can mean the difference between life and death. Teaching your pet obedience commands and regularly reinforcing these skills can protect your four-legged friend from dashing into traffic or ingesting a mouthful of medication.
#2: Keep your pet on a leash when outside
Sometimes you are not the center of your pet’s world, particularly if a squirrel is present. Maybe it’s a leaf blowing in the breeze that entices them to bolt from your side to investigate. To prevent a potential disaster, keep your pet on a leash when taking them for a walk and ensure it is attached to a properly fitted collar or harness.
#3: Pet-proof your home
Your pet can find themselves in all sorts of mischief if left to their own devices when home alone. Minimize the potential for harm by blocking your pet’s access to the kitchen, electrical cords, cleaning products, medications, and other household hazards.
#4: Know the number for animal poison control
If your pet ingests or comes in contact with a potentially toxic substance, an animal poison control hotline should be your first phone call. They can tell you if the item is truly dangerous and what steps you need to take to restore your pet’s health.
#5: Pack a pet first aid kit
In the event your pet gets into trouble, having a fully stocked pet first aid kit on hand is essential. Bandage supplies, hydrogen peroxide, eye flush and ointment, and standard first aid materials can help stabilize your pet before you head to your nearest emergency veterinary hospital.
While you cannot predict what your pet might encounter in the world, you can prevent them from contracting infectious diseases through vaccinations and preventative care. Give our team a call to schedule your furry pal’s preventive care visit.