Seasonal Pet Safety Tips

Just as with your children, your furry kids need to be kept safe from harm. There are things that you must do in order to protect them year-round, and there are also important seasonal pet safety tips for various seasons that should be followed.

Don’t think of yourself as being an over-protective pet parent; instead, consider it a way to show that you truly love your pet, and that you would do anything within your power to protect them from dangers. Today we are going to take a look at tips for year-round safety, as well as seasonal safety tips that will help to keep your pet safe and healthy. Let’s get started.

Pet Safety: Year-Round

Before we get into the seasonal safety tips, we need to talk about general, year-round pet safety. For instance, you need to pet-proof your home. This can involve removing unsafe houseplants and replacing them with pet-safe plants. This is particularly important if you have cats, because they are well-known for eating houseplants.

Another thing you will need to do in order to pet-proof your home is to gather up any loose wires and cords, as they can be hazardous to pets. Puppies and kittens in particular tend to chew on things, including electrical cords. Make sure that cords are out of reach, and tied or taped in place so your pet can’t chew them. Don’t forget to tie back drapery cords as well. While they may not pose a shock hazard as the electrical cords do, they can be dangerous, especially to kittens who love to climb things.

You may also want to invest in a few socket covers for unused electrical outlets. A tongue or a wet nose against an open socket is not going to lead to a good outcome, so cover those outlets so Fido and Fluffy can’t get electrical shock.

There are also some things to consider such as pet safety when you’re not home as pet might come about a very delicate situation if left alone unattended or unprepared.

Seasonal Safety Tips

Summer

Overheating can be a big problem for pets in the summer months, so it is important to make sure that your pets always have access to fresh water. They should also have access to shade. Never leave your pet in a parked, hot vehicle. Asphalt can also be a problem, because it gets very hot and can burn the delicate skin on your pet’s paws. Other things you can do to ensure your pet’s safety include:

Prevent Pests

Again, you will have to do some pest prevention. This is the time of year when pests ranging from tiny ants to small rodents will try to sneak into your home. Look for pet-safe ways to get prevent and get rid of pests, and do not use poisons that can make your pets sick or even kill them.

No Fireworks

Many pets are spooked by loud noises, and it is not uncommon to hear stories about dogs running away during fireworks. During the summer celebrations, keep your dog at home.

Parties

If you are hosting summer parties and barbecues, it is important that you keep your pets contained. They should be in separate rooms where they can’t bother guests, and vice versa, and so they can’t get out.

Fall

As long as you have done your best to prevent pests and make sure that your pets are cool and hydrated all summer long, you shouldn’t have much to worry about in the fall. One thing to watch out for is certain wild mushrooms, which can be poisonous. Also, there is Halloween to think about. Your dog is going to want to share the treats, but most of them are not only unhealthy for dogs, but also downright dangerous. Never give your dog any treats that contain chocolate, as it can lead to seizures and even death.

Winter

There are a lot of things to be concerned with during the winter months, especially around the holiday season. Let’s talk about snow and ice for starters. If you use salt on your sidewalks and driveways, make sure that it is pet-safe, as other types can cause irritation on the paws. You may even want to get a pair of dog boots to keep their feet from becoming irritated, and to keep them warm. Your pet should not be out for more than a few minutes at a time when the temperature drops below freezing.

Now let’s talk about the holiday season. There are many precautions that must be taken in order to keep your pets safe and healthy. For starters, avoid giving them a lot of treats from the table. While it is hard to resist those sad eyes, it is not good for them to have food that is dripping with gravy, sweets, etc. Yes, they can have some treats, but keep it to a minimum.

Here’s a video for additional winter pet safety tips:

You also need to think about Christmas trees and how you decorate them. Cats will go after tinsel, and it can damage their digestive systems. Use garland instead. Keep ornaments out of the reach of pets. Do not have any poinsettias in the home, as these are poisonous to cats, and cats are notorious plant-chewers.

Conclusion

As a pet owner, you need to take steps to keep your pets safe year-round.

In addition to general safety, there are always going to be things that pop up, including holidays, events, pests, etc. that can compromise your pet’s safety. 

But, when you follow all of these safety tips, you should have no problem keeping your pet safe and healthy.

There are also some things to consider such as safety when having pets and kids at home.