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A SAFER ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUR DOG
Your dog is a precious member of the family who counts on you for his emotional well-being as well as his health and safety. Because dogs share our home environment, there may be little at first glance that appears unsafe. However, a close examination of your home—from your dog’s perspective—may reveal areas that require attention or modification for the sake of safety.
Avoid unsafe toys and chewables, such as rope-like objects, which can cause intestinal obstruction and cow hooves, which can splinter into dangerous, jagged pieces. Safer toys include compressed natural rawhide, nylon bones and thick rubber toys, used under supervision.
- If your dog is fond of drinking from the toilet, a commonly chosen source of fresh water, do not use toxic chemical cleaners. Get into the habit of putting toilet lids down.
- Train your dog never to dash out the door unexpectedly. Such escapes often lead to loss and injury, including car accidents.
- Dogs lack our sense of height and depth perception so if you live in a high-rise building or if your dog has access to a higher story window or deck, use screens and safely spaced bars to prevent jumping or accidental falls and be sure to check window and screen integrity often.
- Place non-skid matting or carpet on slick linoleum and hardwood floors where your dog is likely to move quickly. An accidental slip can result in serious injuries such as torn ligaments and broken bones.
- If you have a young puppy or elderly dog, a baby gate at the top of a stairwell can help prevent accidental falls which can lead to serious injuries.
- Remove or avoid household toxins including toxic plants, strong chemical cleaners, perfumed products and environmental insecticides. Whenever possible, consider the use of alternative, “green” products.
- Take advantage of dog crates, pens and baby gates to restrict your puppy or adult dog from potential hazards when s/he cannot be supervised.
- Even indoor environments can reach temperature extremes. Keep your pet’s indoor environment cool on warm/hot days with air conditioning appropriately set to the outdoor temperature. Use a fan that shuts off if when tipped over and/or purchase cool gel pads available at many pet stores.
- It is not advisable to shave down a dog, however you can have the coat trimmed back, but not completely. Leave at least 1.5 inches of hair which acts as a barrier from the sun’s rays. Dogs do not have a natural tanning capacity and can easily get sunburned. As well, the “guard” coat serves dogs as protection from loose organic material and dirt that gets into a dog's coat. It helps to protect the dog from allergies, which can be triggered by having the organic materials of the outdoors come into contact directly with the skin.
- Keep a collar and identification tag on your dog at all times, even when indoors and always keep your dog on lead.
Obtain pet safety stickers from your local fire department or pet store to help firefighters identify the presence and location of pets in case of fire in your home.
ALWAYS CHECK WINDOWS, GARAGE/DOORS AND GATES AND BE SURE YOUR PET IS THE LAST THING YOU SEE BEFORE LEAVING THE HOUSE.
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