July is Pet Safety Month

   July is Pet Safety month.  The summer months are always fun with outdoor activities, vacations, flowers blooming, swimming, and barbecues.  While all of these things are meant to be enjoyed, they can pose a safety hazard to our pets.  I asked Bentley and Pierre to do a public service announcement on things they feel are important to safety issues.  I think that maybe I ought to have explained a bit more.

Bentley: “Don’t play with scissors!”

Pierre: “Avoid toxic waste!”

Me: “These are both great warnings, but I think it’s important to add some more realistic ones.”

1.    NEVER leave your pet in a parked car.  The temperature in a car can rise to extremes in fifteen minutes.  Don’t let a fun trip with your best friend turn into a tragedy.  If you can’t keep your pet with you when getting out of the car, leave them at home.

2.    Know which plants in your garden are potentially harmful.  We posted a list of some common plants here.  Herbicides, fertilizers, and insecticides all pose a threat.  Check the label to make certain that you are using a non-lethal brand.

3.    Always keep a close eye on your pet around water.  Not all dogs are natural born swimmers.  If your dog isn’t used to water, check into a swimming vest before inviting them in the pool.

4.    Protect your dog or cat from ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes.  Not only are they annoying, they can transmit many nasty diseases.  We use Pet Naturals of Vermont Wipes and they work well for us.  Whether you opt for the spot-on drops, the new Seresto collar, or an oral type, be sure that you mark on your calendar when it is time to renew their preventative.

5.    Always give your pet their heartworm medication.  This horrid killer is completely avoidable!

6.    Make sure that your pet has proper identification with collars, tags, and a microchip.

7.    Snake bites increase during the summer months.  While it is difficult to keep them out of our yards, there are things that you can do to discourage them.  Fences that are set a foot or two into the ground, cutting off the snake’s food supply and shelter, mowing closely around the house, storing firewood away from your home, removing junk piles, clearing our weeds and brush, and emptying standing water.  If a snake bites your dog, seek immediate medical attention.

8.    The smell of meat on the grill is as alluring to a dog as much as a human.  Don’t let your pup hop up on the barbecue pit and resist the temptation to feed them food that has seasonings or sauces.

9.    Whenever your dog is outdoors, make sure that there is a shady spot for them to retreat.  Excessive heat can lead to a heatstroke, so know the warning signs.  Excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor, or a sudden collapse demand a quick response.  If your pet displays any of these symptoms, they need to be cooled by dipping them in a tub of cool water for up to two minutes.  Place the wet dog in front of a fan.  Cool packs can be applied to the groin area and wipe their paws with cool water.  When the body temperature lowers to 103˚, dry the dog and seek veterinarian assistance.

10. If the pavement is too hot for your feet, it is too hot for your dogs.  Take your walks in the morning or evening when the ground isn’t as hot.  You can also purchase paw covers to protect their pads.  There are several on the market in a variety of styles and prices.  Check online or at your favorite pet supply store.

Bentley: “Don’t forget about not playing or running with scissor!”

Pierre: “Remember about toxic waste too!  It can be…toxic!”

Me: “Thanks for the reminders boys.”

Resources: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/                        

                                    http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/hot-weather-tips                                                            http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/heat-stroke-dehydration-dogs

We are joining our friends from BlogPaws for Wordless Wednesday.  Although we weren’t exactly wordless today, the tips are important to share with our readers.  The boys and I wish everyone a safe and happy summer!

·         Don’t forget to enter our giveaway for your own bottle of Revitamal.  Just click on the bottle in our sidebar.

 ·           If you are looking for great pet supplies (including the ones mentioned on today's post) at discounted prices, please visit Bentley’s Bargains at the bottom of today’s post.