Safe Pets Are Happy Pets: 5 Safety Tips for Your Pet

Pet safety is not always the first though on our minds when it comes to our pets, but a little forethought can go along ways to providing years of happy pet bonding and fun. Here are 5 simple safe pet tips which any family can  easily follow:

1. WEAR A COLLAR WITH TAGS

Yeah, I know this sounds like a no-brainer, but it gets violated all the time … until it is too late. Microchips are an excellent saftey measure, but not everyone has the resources or easy access to a vet for scanning. Unfortunately, many assume a wandering pet without a collar is a stray.

2. SECURE YOUR PETS WHILE DRIVING

How much is that doggie with his head sticking out of the window? He won’t be worth much if you end up in an accident. I know, we lovvvvvvve our pets, but keep them safe — not in your lap. On the plus side, there are many ways to keep them, and everyone else around us on the road, safe. Check out crates or harnesses, or train your pet to stay on a comfy mat or towel on the floorboard.

3. PET-PROOF YOUR CABINETS

Just like with babies, you need to keep your pets safe from poisons in your cabinets. While things like pesticides are obvious,  other items like chocolate, which seem innocuous, can cause pet death. Pet Poison Hotline has a handy list of the Top 10 poisons for your pet:

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owners/basics/top-10-pet-poisons/

4. TEACH PROTECTIVE COMMANDS

While teaching your dog to shake hands with you is both cute and bonding, it is not the most important command they should be learning. Just as with children, who understand what your “No Nonsense – NOW!” voice is, your pet should  know when to immediately return to your side for preotection or safety. Pat attention to your pet’s habits, and prepare them to obey simple voice commands when in dangerous situations.

5. PET FIRST AID

Just as you would with your family, you need to learn simple pet first aid prcedures, and keep a pet first aid kit handy. Include your pets in emergency drills for your family, such as how to prepare for fires. The American Veterinary Medical Association has a guide which can help you learn simple pet first aid procedures:

http://www.avma.org/firstaid/

Safe pets! Make pet safety an integral part of your care for, and respect of, your furry family friends!