Pet Safety

Every dog owner wants what’s best for their pet, and keeping them safe is a high priority. These safety tips will help prevent unintended accidents and give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your dog is well cared for year-round.

Cold Weather Safety Tips:

It is not advisable to leave your dog outside in cold weather for extended periods of time. This is especially important for puppies, older dogs and those with special needs, since they do not tolerate the cold as well as younger, healthier dogs

If your pet is going to spend time outdoors in cold weather, be aware that extreme cold, wind-chill and inappropriate care can be life threatening.

• Do not chain your dog outside without available shelter, and pay strong attention to his surroundings.

• Provide adequate shelter for your dog to escape the elements. The shelter should be large enough for your dog to stand and turn around, yet small enough to allow his body heat to keep him warm. Make sure the shelter is dry and protected from water leaks.

• Provide fresh water and check frequently to make sure it is clean and not frozen.

• If your dog has short hair, consider buying a full-length coat, sweater or other protective clothing, especially if he will be exposed to the cold for any length of time.

• Protect your dog’s paws from ice and salt. Wiping his paws will go a long way towards preventing health problems. You can also buy booties to protect his paws when walking outside.

• Take care when giving your dog a bath during cold weather. Make sure he is completely dry before letting him outside.

• Do not leave your dog unattended in the car. This pertains to cold weather as well as warm weather, as dogs can get hyperthermia if left in an unheated car

Warm Weather Safety Tips:

Taking extra precautions during warmer months will help prevent your pet from being exposed to dangerous or life-threatening situations.

• If your dog spends time outside, make sure she has adequate shelter and plenty of clean, fresh water. Keep in mind that dogs can get dehydrated very quickly.

• Do not leave your dog in a car unattended. In temperatures of 80 degrees, your car’s temperature can rise to 120 degrees within minutes. This will likely cause heat stroke, extreme illness and possibly death, and it can occur even if your windows are left open.

• When walking your dog, be aware that hot asphalt can cause your dog to heat up quickly and burn her pads.

• Do not over-exercise your dog during extremely hot days.

• Do not shave your dog during the dog days of summer. Your dog’s hair protects her from sunburn.

Backyard Safety Tips:

If your dog spends time roaming freely in your yard, here are some tips for dog- proofing your property to keep your pet safe and sound:

• Make sure there are no holes in the fence for your dog to escape.

• Remove all chemicals and store them appropriately.

• Remove all garden tools from the yard and store them out of harm’s way.

• If you have a pool, be sure the fence surrounding it is secure and high enough so that your dog cannot jump it.

• Check to see that there are no plants in the area that are unhealthy if eaten.

• Always check with your dog’s healthcare professional if you are considering introducing new activities or notice any behavior changes in your pet during significant changes in the weather.