Scratchings-and-Sniffings

New Tips on Keeping Your Pets Safe Posted: 12 May 2009 12:57 PM PDT As warmer weather approaches, we will see reports of foolish people leaving their precious dogs in the car while they "run" into the store for a gallon of milk. To the dog's detriment, of course. I hope you are not one of those pet parents who are so irresponsible. Why are dogs any different than children? No one would knowingly leave a small child or a baby in a hot car, just to "run" in to the store for break or milk. Those days are long gone! My Mom might have done it - but, I don't ever remember her leaving any of us kids alone in the car. Still, back then... Moms were pretty careful about kids and cars and strangers - rather than kids and cars and heat. Let's all remind ourselves of the top 10 ways to keep our dogs and cats happy and healthy, whether it's at home or in the car... Never leave a pet alone in a car during summer weather. The car can easily heat up to over 100 degrees, and that spells certain death for pets. Keep your dogs and cats indoors, unless in a harness or on a leash, with you. The outdoors is a dangerous place - and though we know how they love to run free, they also look to us for protection from not only the "elements - meaning weather" but from other pets on the prowl, other animals protecting their territory, cars, and the worst of all...mosquitoes. Make sure your pets have plenty of cool water, whether they are in the house or outside. Water is essential! Change the water periodically... cool water is very soothing on a hot day! (dontcha know?) If your dog is an outside dog, make sure he has proper shade during the summer, and proper shelter during the winter. I would never leave my dog out all day and all night - but some folks do keep their dogs outside all of the time. To you, I say, create proper shelter. That means something to protect your dog from rain, sleet, snow, wind, and heat. Maybe you should consider bringing him indoors, at least at night. How about the kitchen? When you're cooking, the kitchen is no place for your dog or cat. Paws can be stepped on, cooking oil or grease can splatter or spill - and cause burns, and even the best trained pet can get in trouble if you leave the room for a moment...and those good smelling eats are within reach. How about throw rugs? If you have hardwood floors and your dog is running down the hall, hell-bent for...the cat? the kid? his imaginary puppy friend? and he hits that throw rug --- bam! He'll end up head first into the wall. That may be funny, but it could also cause serious head injury. Don't tempt fate! Be aware of poisonous plants. This list at the Humane Society of the United States shows some common plants that can be toxic to our pets. It's hard to memorize them all, and even keeping them on your refrigerator may not be enough. It's best to learn the toxic symptoms and to know when to get your dog or cat to the vet. Naturally, you'll have to tell the vet you believe your pet may have ingested a toxic plant, and reveal what that plant might be. Last, keep your vet's phone number handy, for your pet sitter or husband or yourself (in a crisis, you'll want to focus on getting help and not on remembering a phone number). The AVMA has a great list of first aid supplies and basic tips on treating your pet for things such as poisoning, seizures, broken bones and more. Well, I think that does it for now. Be an educated pet parent and make sure your dog and cat is protected - from themselves, from injury in and out of the home, and from other animals. And, consider pet health insurance - because no matter how careful you are, stuff happens.

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