Can My Dog Eat That #Infographic
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Dog Safety Tips and Information
3 Ways to Keep Your Senior Dog Safe Around the Pool
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Aging takes a toll on dogs just like it does with humans. From a loss in vision to painful arthritis, our four-legged friends experience aging in a way that’s similar to our own experience. As a dog owner, you can make life a little simpler, safer and more comfortable for an aging pet during the summer by taking precautions around the family pool.
Pool Fences
As dogs begin to age, it’s not uncommon for our furry friends to lose their eyesight. Sometimes pet owners may notice that their dog has cloudy eyes. This condition is called sclerosis. Other conditions like cataracts and glaucoma are also common in older and aging dogs.
Although his eyesight may be fading, he may still enjoy lounging outside near the pool. To keep your pet safe, consider installing a pool fence to make sure that he’s not at risk of falling in due to his lack of eyesight. Having a fence installed will keep him from wandering into the deep, avoiding any potential pool-related accidents.
Doggie Steps
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), describes canine arthritis as a degenerative joint disease that causes both inflammation and pain in a dog’s joints. Dogs who have this condition may walk stiffly, limp or compensate by using other limbs, be hesitant to jump or run stairs, suffer flexibility loss and they may experience pain when certain joints are touched. There are many ways pet owners can help relieve the symptoms and pain associated with arthritis including using soft doggie bedding, playing gently, using a raised food and water bowl and having a portable ramp nearby for car rides.
Additionally, a pet step can be added to the family pool to help your aging dog get in and out of the water safely and comfortably. It works just like a ramp for the car, and many styles are portable and lightweight. Pool accessories retailer In The Swim offers a pet step that is suitable for vehicle loading, too. The pet step also comes with an anti-slip finish, to make sure your pet doesn’t slip or fall while walking up or down the ramp.
Canine Life Jackets
For dogs, with age comes weight gain. This can be a symptom of hyperthyroidism which can lead to obesity. According to Pet Care Rx, obesity can lead to bone and joint problems like hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis in addition to weakening cardiovascular health, which makes it harder for pets to exercise. This condition can put a heavy strain on your dog’s body.
Using a doggie life jacket can help dogs who have gained weight in their older years exercise with ease in the family pool. A life jacket, like the K-9 Float Coats available from Ruffwear, can make exercise more enjoyable and safer, without taxing your dog’s body. Many styles come equipped with a sturdy handle to help remove your pet from the water. If you do notice that your pet is getting tired treading the water, remove him from the pool immediately. Canine life jackets are also great for healthy dogs, and should be used when boating, kayaking or spending time near the ocean.
Man’s Best Friend Hits the Road: Doggie Road Trip Tips
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Going on a road trip with your furry friend can be a blast, but while on the open road you can run into problems either with your car, or when visiting parks, beaches, and going on hikes. If you’re planning a road trip with your favorite pawed pal, here are some items things to consider to avoid any issues.
Road Advice
Though you’ll both be able to explore the great outdoors on your trip, you’ll also spend a fair share of your time in the car. If your dog becomes a nuisance while in transit, tries to jump onto your lap, whines, and can’t behave himself, a carrying case is a must-have item. Many dog owners use carrying crates for their dogs sleeping space, so transferring your best friend’s bed into the car can make your dog feel more at home while on the road.
On The Hike
While exploring the trails, let your dog do some of the work. Doggie backpacks allow them to carry water bowls, food, and toys for when you reach your destination. However, not all dog backpacks are made equal. Some detach from the main body of the pack so you can easily access anything your dog is carrying, while others don’t.
Once on the trail your dog will undoubtedly want to explore all the new smells. This usually isn’t a problem, but sometimes it’s safest to have keep your dog on a leash. If your dog isn’t the best mannered one, there will be times you can’t control him with mere words. A leash is all that will stop him from chasing deer, rabbit, or fox deep into the woods in cases like these.
While your dog can drink out of the streams without getting sick, you shouldn’t risk it. Make sure to bring a water purification system with you if you’re going to drink from the streams or lakes while camping.
Dog Behavior
While a leash and travel crate can keep your dog in check, they both defeat the purpose of your adventures. Training your dog is important so that it will listen to you and obey. To be prepared for the dangers of travel, you’re not the only one who needs to have their wits about them. Take your dog to a trainer, take classes, and make sure your dog will listen to you in case of emergencies.
Easy Ways to Pet-Proof Your Home
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If you’re a pet owner, you already know that half the battle in creating a pet-friendly home is choosing the right furniture for your lifestyle. Let’s face it, that gorgeous white suede sofa just won’t work well with two dogs and a cat. But, just because you share your home doesn’t mean you don’t have options for living safely, comfortably and even stylishly. You don’t have to put up with shredded upholstery and hair-covered rugs when you use the following guidelines.
Keep It Clean
Keeping your house clean with cats, dogs and other pets is a matter of maintenance and some strategic planning. Some of the biggest cleanliness issues with pets are hair and bathroom habits.
To help with shedding, supplement regular sweeping and vacuuming with robovacs like Roomba. You should keep your animals off the furniture or train them to only use areas of the couch or chairs that are covered with pet covers. Furthermore, the ASPCA says frequency of brushing dogs and cats depends on how much hair they have. Brush short-haired animals once a week and longer-haired ones daily or every few days. Bathe dogs every three months, but do not bathe cats. If you have any problems grooming, consider asking your vet about the best way to do it and the right tools to use.
Make sure you tend to litter boxes daily to reduce odors and to prevent your cat from tracking litter through the house. Take the dog outside as often as possible, and train him or her to ask to go out.
Decrease the Damage
Chewing, scratching and digging cause damage to furniture, window treatments, table legs and door frames. The ASPCA recommends redirecting pet activities that cause damage to different, more acceptable items such as scratching posts or chew toys. Cover furniture with pet-proof covers, and restrict pets’ access to areas where they chew or scratch when you’re not home. Use baby gates or put them in a comfortable, enclosed area with toys and a bed. If your drapes or curtains are irresistible, consider replacing them with wooden or vertical blinds. Avoid broken collectibles, bric-a-brac and other décor by putting it out of reach of your pets. Use a sturdy display case or attractive, clear storage bins to keep them safely off tabletops and shelves.
Put It Away
Animals are curious and can get bored easily. When this happens, they often get into things. Keep your pets safe by putting away items that may be harmful to them, such as medications, lotions, wires, chemicals and clothing that has buttons or strings that can be swallowed. The American Humane Association recommends using childproof latches on cabinet doors to keep curious pets from getting into them. Keep trash cans covered or put away to keep pets away from odors and food scraps that may attract them.
Make a place to store your pet food that’s covered. Store pet toys and gear like leashes in a safe place. The more you organize and put things away in a house with pets, the better you’ll be able to manage your pet’s activity.
Top Tips to Keep Pets & Wildlife Safe Around Your Pool
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While many pool owners are understandably concerned about keeping children safe around their pool, they aren’t the only ones who must be monitored. We also need to watch our four-legged friends around water. To keep our beloved pets (and any other critters that might wander into the yard) safe around the pool, consider the following tips:
Never Assume
Although most believe all dogs know how to swim, this isn’t true. Certain breeds of dogs have trouble swimming, Petwave reports, as do elderly dogs and those with health issues like blindness or hearing problems. Just like you watch your kids closely when they are swimming, keep a sharp eye on your precious pooch. Never assume that he or she will know what to do in the water. Even puppies who liked to swim may grow up to be arthritic dogs who are frightened and unsure in the water.
Secure the Area
If you have two-legged kids, chances are good your pool is already fenced. But if you are the proud parent of only four-legged kids, you might not have considered putting a barrier around the pool. Pet parents should keep their pool area safe and secure too, and you may wish to purchase some products that can assist getting your pets out of the water should they fall in. As Specialty Pool Products notes, a pool alarm is the number one safety product for pool owners. If anything that weighs 15 pounds or more falls into the water, a loud alarm will sound inside the house. Another great product is called Safety Turtle; this pet-specific alarm features a turtle-shaped device that goes on your pet’s collar; if the turtle gets submerged in water it will sound a loud alarm on the base station (not near your pet’s sensitive ears). This is a terrific safety feature that can be left on your pet’s collar at all times.
Teach Them How to Get Out
Even though the pool’s surface might look solid to dogs, they should be shown it is not something they can just walk on. Introduce your puppies or dogs to the water and then show them how to get out. Although they cannot typically see the steps, they can learn where to exit the pool. A great way to teach them how to get out is to keep a couple of small planters filled with flowers on the pool deck near the steps—this will give your dog the visual cue he or she needs to know where to get out of the pool.
Keeping other critters safe
Dogs are not the only animals that can end up in your pool; birds, frogs and even deer can end up in the water. As the Humane Society notes, smaller wild animals can usually be scooped to safety with a large pool net or even the bristled end of the broom. If a larger animal like a deer manages to somehow get past the pool fence, you can use a chaise lounge or a pool float as a ramp that will assist the animal in leaving the water. Of course, you don’t want to get too close to wild animals to prevent getting bitten or scratched.
5 Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe This Summer
Comments Off on 5 Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe This SummerInfographic by the Human Society of Silicon Valley. Great tips to keep your pet safe from summer dangers like heat, ticks and dehydration.
