October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, which can be an exciting time if your family chooses to participate in such an incredible thing. However, bringing a new pet into the home can bring many new challenges to life. One of the most common things to worry about is how you can keep your new pet safe, especially during the adjustment period. Even if you’re not participating in this celebration, you might be wondering how you can protect your pet without spending a fortune. These ten tips will definitely help you figure out a few new ways to rest easier when it comes to your pet’s health.
1. Get Your Pet Fixed
One of the first steps you should take in protecting your pet is getting it spayed or neutered. If you’re adopting an animal, then the pet might already have the procedure taken care of. However, if your pet is still young, make sure your shelter provides you with a voucher to have the procedure done, as this is typically included in the price of adopting. Ensuring your pet is spayed or neutered can help prevent your pet from feeling the need to wander around. This will make escapes from the yard fewer, which can be deadly for pets. Apart from the dangers of cars, wandering can cause your pet to become stolen or harmed by people that are up to no go.
2. Microchipping
If you do have a pet that likes to escape, or you’re just worried that one day they might, then microchipping is one of the most important things you can do. This chip will allow any vet or shelter to scan your pet and immediately get in touch with you to pick up your animal. Of course, you do have to keep up with the information on the tags to make sure it is up to date. Some services will even activate the microchip as a GPS, so you can locate your pet as soon as you notice they are missing. This will obviously cost you extra, but it can be a huge relief if the unthinkable happens. Some services will also send out notices if your pet goes missing, which can help spot your pet before danger occurs.
3. Collar
You might not believe it, but a collar can do a whole lot to protect your pet. It is imperative that your pet, especially dogs, has a tag on that shows the pet’s name and some contact information, as well as their rabies, shot tag. This will allow people to know that your dog isn’t rabid if they approach it while lost and will help them get in contact with you quickly. Otherwise, you might find that it might take longer for a Good Samaritan to approach your dog to take to a vet or shelter to be scanned. It is very easy to purchase a GPS device designed for pets now at a very low price. This can also be attached to a collar, so you can find your pet as soon as you realize it is missing.
4. Invest in Car Harness or Crash Safe Crate
Of course, escaping isn’t the only thing you have to worry about when it comes to pet safety. Any time that you travel with your pet, you’ll need to take precautions to keep you and your pet safe. Luckily, you have a few different options to choose from. If you have a dog with you, then there are special harnesses that will attach your pet to a car seat. This will allow your dog to still move around slightly but will restrain your pet in case of an accident. This safety method can help protect you if your dog likes to move around the cabin and climb on you as you drive. If you’re not worried about restraining your dog in case of an emergency, there are nets to keep your dog in one specific area. These nets are ideal for SUVs as they have more cargo space in the back. Finally, there are protective crates that can help keep your pet secure in an accident. These crates come in a huge selection of sizes and are perfect for visits to the vet’s office.
5. Survey Your Yard
Your yard can be a dangerous place for your pet, so it is important to routinely check the space especially if your pet goes out unsupervised. One of the first things you should look for is holes near the fence. This is especially important if you share a fence with other dog owners as you don’t want a dog fight that could harm cause senseless harm. You will also want to check for holes that could help your pet escape or make it easier for someone to steal your animal. Another hole to look out for is those that could belong to a snake or other animal that might cause your pet harm. Holes aren’t the only thing to watch out for though. You should also keep an eye out for nests that could belong to insects that might harm your pet. Finally, look around for trash, large sticks and other items your pet might eat that could cause harm.
6. Be Weather Efficient
No matter where you live, the weather isn’t always going to be on your side. It is important that you know how to protect your pet from the elements as they come along. One of the first things you should do is add pet shelters to your yard. These can be simple as long as they provide shade from the hot sun in the summer and provide warmth in the winter. These shelters are especially important if you leave your pet outdoors for long periods of time. Your pet should always have access to water too. Since dogs can often knock over their bowls, you might consider a fountain or device that provides water for your dog when a special pedal is triggered. You should never leave your pet out when the weather is uncomfortable either. So, make sure you have someone that can let the dog in or out if you’re stuck working long hours. Apart from that, you might invest in dog booties. These will protect paws from blistering hot sidewalks in the summer and freezing temperatures in the winter. You should also have a crate and emergency supplies on hand if you do find the weather to get extreme.
7. Stay Away From Unknown Water
There’s no doubt about it, most dogs love to play in the water. Sometimes, it can be hard to control your animal near a lake or pond too. However, recently, there have been many cases of dogs becoming ill to the point of death because of bacteria found in the water. If you’re not sure about the water source or the state of the water, it is best to direct your dog away from the water. Even familiar sources can be dangerous unless tested by local health sources, so make sure you get the all-clear before you let your pet in. of course, this rule also goes for you. Your best option to satisfy your pet’s need to swim is to purchase a mini pool and clean it out often.
8. Always Use a Leash
It is critical that you always keep your pet on a leash whenever you’re out in public. In most places, you can actually get fined if you don’t follow this rule. This does apply to both cats and dogs too. A leash can do a lot to protect you and your dog if something goes wrong on a walk or a family outing. For instance, a leash can help you keep your pet away from the road, passersby and other animals. This can keep your dog out of harm. It can also prevent your pet from harming others, which could lead to the termination of your pet. Leashes are also great when it comes to training your animal too.
9. Separate Your Garden
Your garden can also be a source of danger for your pet, especially if you’re not careful about the items that you plant. The best thing you can do is place a barrier that separates your garden from the area your pet frequents. This is a lot easier to do for dogs than it is cats, but if you use cages then you should block out these animals too. Of course, if it isn’t possible to do this then you might consider watching what you plant. There is a long list of items that are a danger to dogs, cats and other animals, so if you avoid planting them then you should be good to go.
10. Keep Vet’s Number on Hand
Without a doubt, having your vet’s phone number on hand can truly help you out in a bind. This will allow you to quickly call about questions or make an emergency appointment if something comes up. It can come in handy with a new pet especially while you learn all about its quirks. Another number to have on hand is an emergency vet in case something comes up during off-hours. This safety technique could save your pet’s life.
Adopt a Shelter Dog Month can be an exciting time, especially with all of the incredible deals available from shelters. However, protecting your dog or even pets you currently have in the home can be tough. These tips will allow you to feel more comfortable about the pet’s safety and won’t cost you a fortune.
