Top Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe & Protected

Many people gear up for Halloween every October. But did you know that this time of year is also known as National Animal Safety and Protection Month? Every year, veterinarians and other people who work around animals raise awareness about safe handling and caring for domestic and wild animals. The primary goal of the event is to educate. Show your support for the event by sharing the top five information below on keeping pets safe and protected:

1. Pet-Proof Your Home. You must already know how dogs and cats can be extremely curious. Keep them safe in your home by pet-proofing all rooms in your house. You can do this by placing medications, cleaning supplies, and other toxic substances on high shelves. You also have to move poisonous house plants and sharp objects or tools out of their reach. It’s also crucial that you put away dangling electrical wires so that they don’t chew on them. Ensure that all trash cans and air vents have covers.

2. Ensure Outdoor Supervision. Your animal companion may like to go outside. But don’t allow your pet to leave the house without appropriate supervision. Pets left to roam are at risk of getting lost, stolen, hit by cars, or attacked by other animals. Keep them leashed when you’re out for a walk, and watch them closely, even when they are only playing in the yard.

3. Microchip Your Pet. Microchipping is one of the most effective ways to protect your pet from being lost or stolen. According to the American Humane Society, more than 10 million dogs and cats are reported lost every year. Sadly, a large percentage of those lost pets never reunite with their family. So, have your vet install a microchip in your furry friend while they’re still young. It helps to identify your dog or cat once found and brought to a vet clinic or a shelter.

4. Prepare a Disaster Plan. Emergency planning is the key to keeping yourself, your family, and your beloved pets safe if a natural disaster strikes. Whether it’s an earthquake, a hurricane, tornado, flood, or fire, your animal companion should never be left behind. Otherwise, they can starve, fall ill, become injured, or die. Keep in mind that if the conditions aren’t safe for you, it’s not going to be safe for your pet either. Preparing for a disaster means being able to evacuate with your pets with emergency kits and enough carriers for each animal. It also means having a plan on where to go.

5. Take Regular Trips to the Vet. One of the most straightforward but often overlooked animal safety tips is taking your dog or cat to the vet at least once a year. An annual checkup is crucial in maintaining your pet’s health for the years to come. During these trips, your four-legged companion will undergo specific health tests and receive boosters to keep their vaccinations up-to-date. Regular vet visits also serve as an early intervention for certain conditions.

If you live in Lewisville, Texas, contact Community Pet Outreach for additional tips on how to keep your furball safe and protected. Call our clinic today at (972) 848-8930 for more information.