Tag Archives: pet safety tips

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Health

Fourth of July Hazards for Pets

The Fourth Of July is coming up quickly! As you may know, this is a particularly dangerous holiday for our four-legged friends. You’ll want to take some precautions to make sure your beloved pet stays safe and healthy through America’s birthday. Read on as a Georgetown, IN vet lists some July Fourth safety tips for pets.

Heat

Pets can overheat very quickly at this time of year. Fido and Fluffy are wearing fur coats, and they can’t sweat to cool off. Make sure your furry bff always has fresh water and access to cool, shaded areas. Limit your pet’s outdoor time during the hottest parts of the day.

Parasites

Fleas, ticks, and mosquitos will happily join in your celebration. These uninvited guests can carry dangerous diseases, and can also transmit other parasites! Keep up with your pet’s parasite prevention products. We also recommend mowing your lawn regularly.

Fireworks

Many dogs get very frightened by the noise and commotion of fireworks. If your canine buddy is scared of loud noises, bring him indoors well before dark on the Fourth, and set him up in a cozy spot. Turn a TV or radio on to mask the noise. If Fido is extremely nervous when there’s a lot of commotion, ask your vet about using pet-calming products, such as treats and sprays.

Grills

Many of our four-legged friends are very opportunistic eaters, and will snap up anything offered to them. Big dinners and grill-outs are always very dangerous for them, just because there are so many popular foods that are unsafe for them. Some of the dangerous foods include garlie, onions, scallions, and chives; grapes, currants, and raisins; chocolate; caffeine; avocado; pitted fruits; alcohol; meat on the bone; and anything that contains xylitol.

Trash

Use trashcans that close securely. Pets sometimes try to score some leftovers by poking around the garbage. Things like skewers, bones, can lids, trimmings, and can lids are just a few of the dangers that could be lurking in the trash.

Pools/Water

Pools are another concern. While some dogs are great swimmers, even water-loving pups can panic and get into trouble if they fall into the pool and don’t know how to get out again. If you’re taking Fido to a pool or beach, keep a close eye on him.  

Happy Fourth! Please contact us, your local Georgetown, IN veterinary clinic, anytime!

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Health

Pet First-Aid Awareness

April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month! While no one wants to think of their beloved pet being injured, accidents can and do happen. If something should go wrong, being prepared in advance can make all the difference. Of course, if your pet is ever hurt, you’ll need to get them to the vet or emergency clinic right away. However, you may need to stabilize them before transporting them. That’s where first-aid preparation comes in. A local Georgetown, IN vet offers some advice on this below.

First-Aid Kit

If you don’t have a pet first-aid kit, we recommend getting one ASAP. You can start with a regular first-aid kit, and then add some things to make it more pet-specific. Your shopping list should include things like non-stick gauze, splints, rubbing alcohol, tweezers, round-end scissors, styptic powder, bandages, and towels. The exact items you need will depend on what sort of pet you have. For instance, if you have a dog, include a muzzle. Even the sweetest pup can bite if they’re hurt!

Information

You could have all the gear in the world, but it won’t do any good if you don’t know how to use it. Print out some pet first-aid brochures, and keep them with the kit. It’s also a good idea to download some pet first-aid apps. The American Red Cross has a good one. Keep phone numbers for your vet and the nearest emergency clinic in your phone and in the kit. Ours is 812-952-3643. Another number which may come in handy is the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number, which is (888) 426-4435. (Note: charges may apply.)

Pet CPR

Are you interested in learning more? You may want to consider taking a class in pet CPR. It never hurts to grow and change and learn new things. Hopefully, you’ll never have to use this information, but you never know: it could save your pet’s life!

Prevention

When it comes to keeping pets safe, an ounce of prevention can be worth several pounds of cure. Be aware of potential hazards, such as toxic plants, plastic bags, and wires and cords. We also recommend keeping cats indoors, and not letting dogs roam around off-leash. Ask your vet for more information.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your Georgetown, IN veterinary clinic, we’re here to help!

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Care

Halloween Hazards for Cats and Dogs

Halloween and trick-or-treat night are right around the corner. Did you know that the Halloween holiday is one of the most dangerous times of the year for our dogs and cats? Keep your pet safe with the following tips from a Floyds Knob, IN veterinarian.

Chocolate and Candy

Your trick-or-treat bowl is chock full of things that your pet shouldn’t have access to. Chocolate of all types—dark, milk, semi-sweet, white, even baking chocolate—contains caffeine and a chemical called theobromine, neither of which are safe for pets. Many candies, gums, and certain baked items are sweetened with xylitol, an artificial sugar substitute that is highly toxic to dogs and cats. Keep all goodies safely stored away in order to avoid a dangerous episode of poisoning.

Costumes

Are you planning on dressing up your pet in his or her very own Halloween costume this year? Make sure your animal companion is okay with wearing clothes; many pets don’t take kindly to outfits, especially if they’re too baggy or tight-fitting. Also check through your pet’s costume and remove any small parts—plastic eyeballs, tips of drawstrings, etc.—that could be chewed off, swallowed, or choked on.

Holiday Decorations

Many families like to decorate their homes with autumn-themed plants like fall corn, pumpkins, and gourds. These items aren’t necessarily toxic to animals, but they can still cause trouble. Almost any foreign substance can cause vomiting if your pet eats too much, and bits of these plants can be chewed off and present a choking hazard. Don’t let your pet gain access.

Also be sure to tape down any cords running from electric Halloween decorations to the wall socket. Pets can chew on these, or get tangled up.

Anxiety

One of Halloween’s biggest dangers is one you may not have thought of: anxiety. If your pet gets worked up whenever the doorbell rings, trick-or-treat night can be very stress-inducing! Plus, some pets might try to dart out of the door when you open it for trick-or-treaters. Avoid the trouble by securing your pet in another room; try playing music or the radio at a medium volume to mask over the sound of the doorbell.

Do you need help preparing your pet for Halloween? Have more questions about keeping your animal friend safe this holiday? Give your vet in Floyds Knob, IN a call today. We’re here to serve all of your pet-care needs!