As a pet owner, keeping your pets safe should be one of your top priorities. There are going to be times when you have to leave your pets at home, creating the challenge of watching after your pets while you’re not there. Sometimes even when you are home with them, keeping them out of harm's way can be tricky. Luckily there are many ways to make sure your pets are safe, even when you’re out of the house.
Pet Cam
There are so many cameras out there that you can install in your home to keep an eye on your pet. Some drop treats when you use your smart phone, others give you a 360 degree view. Add peace of mind because now you can watch your dog while you’re at work, or running errands. A little research is required to find the best fit for your family and pets, but the benefits are priceless.
Safe Food Cheat Sheet
It’s hard to remember that dogs and cats can’t eat everything we can, especially because most of them will eat just about anything. Some foods like grapes and raisins can cause severe kidney failure. Foods, like apples, are okay as long as no seeds are ingested. The list goes on and on, and every dog and cat varies. If you introduce a new food to your dog or cat, do so in small amounts at first, and keep a close eye on how they’re feeling afterwards. A cheat sheet like the one below is essential for keeping harmful foods out of your dog’s diet.
Pet Alert
These pet alert stickers and wallet cards could save your pet’s life. The stickers go on the outside part of your home, near the front doorway, and list how many pets you have. Incase of an emergency, when you aren’t at home, a first responder entering your home will know exactly how many pets to get out of the house. The wallet card works in the same way. If you are to fall ill, or get injured, the card will have an emergency contact to call if you can’t get home to care for your pets. iHeartDogs created this safety pack.
Pet Proofing Your Home
It seems like dogs will get into just about anything they can. However, there are steps to take to prevent any mischievous behavior that could result in a harmful situation. The easiest way to start is by treating your dog like a child, and begin to “baby proof” the house. This can include outlet plugs, baby gates for rooms you don’t want your pets in, and cabinet locks for bathrooms and the kitchen. Anywhere you keep medicine or cleaning supplies should not be accessible to pets. Tip: Buy a trashcan that your pet can’t get into so they won’t be digging around when you aren’t home.
Pet safety can seem tedious, especially when you have a busy schedule, but the benefit is invaluable. Following these essentials steps will keep your pet healthy and happy, as well as putting you at ease when it’s time to leave them home alone. While accidents happen, rest assured you’ll be prepared to handle any pet emergencies that come your way. Visit www.laveenvetcenter.com with any further questions you may have on pet safety in the home.