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Simple Safety Tips For Your Dog

by Mary Rosenbaum, DogCare Editor/AKC Judge

Puppy safety is like child safety because both are at risk as they explore and discover life. Here’s how to protect your pet and your budget, there are several things that should be avoided when you have pets:

Plants: The Easter lily, azalea, amaryllis, and many other plants can be toxic, even deadly. Lily-of-the-valley can cause heart issues in both dogs and cats. Spring time is also the time of year for Foxtail and grass awns. These plants can lodge in the skin, ears, eyes and nose of unfortunate pets; some requiring surgical removal. Keep your grounds mowed and don’t allow access to areas where these plants grow.

Fertilizers, antifreeze and pesticides: can be deadly to pets, so be sure to keep these products safely stored. Try to keep dogs from ingesting a lot of grass especially if there is a chance that any chemicals were applied to or have blown onto the grass. Do not allow pets to walk on or near fertilized yards, especially when the ground is wet and the toxins are more likely to be absorbed into the footpads.

Edible pet hazards: include chocolate which could be lethal for your pets, so don’t leave any candy where your pets can reach it. Roach and rat poison may be enticing to pets.

Fleas & Ticks: Be sure to read all flea and tick medication/treatment labels carefully as the misuse of such products can lead to acute toxicity. These products can cause death if improperly applied. NEVER use a dog product on your cat.

Insects: Dogs can have severe allergic reactions to insect bites. If you notice your dog becoming acutely swollen around the muzzle or developing hives, get him/her to a veterinarian as soon as possible. If left untreated, the inflammatory response can cause severe illness, respiratory distress, even death.

Bite wounds: are among the most common emergencies. Make sure your pet’s Rabies vaccination is up-to-date in case he bites or is bitten in an encounter.

Sun: Never leave your dog out in direct sun too long. Dogs can get sunburned, just like people. Provide adequate shade for your pet, and always provide plenty of cool, clean water to prevent dehydration. Never leave your pet in a car with windows closed, not even in cool weather or in the shade. Autos are ovens...

Traveling pets: Traveling with your pet in a pickup truck?  Dogs should ride in the cab or in a secured crate in the bed of the truck, never in the open bed as pictured above. If your dog rides in the back of the truck and you stop suddenly, swerve, or are hit by another car, he could easily be thrown from the truck into the path of traffic. (Tying the dog down from side to side is NOT an option!!!)

If your dog must be transported in the bed of a pickup truck, put him in a crate and tie the crate down! If you are in an accident, have to swerve or slam on brakes, he will be at least partially protected.

Always make sure windows are open for ventilation but not so far down as to allow your pet to escape.

Where you live: Maintain a moderate temperature in your house and leave cool water for your pets; another trick is to leave ice cubes in the water bowl.

Avoid leaving windows and doors open; a determined dog can easily tear through a screen. If you do leave windows open for ventilation (or in case the power goes off while you are away), have strong screens (or decorative lattice) in place to prevent escapes and falls.

Keep pets away from mouse, ant, and roach bait or traps. They are called poison for a reason.

Human medications and prescription drugs can be lethal to dogs. Medications should be kept in a locked cabinet or at least at a level that is too high for a dog or child to reach.

Be aware of hidden household hazards, such as power cords. They can cause burns, strangulation or electrocution and puppies like to chew on them.

Courtesy of Pomeranian Health www.bi-mar.com

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