*Keep all garbage locked behind a cabinet door or pantry. While a number of foreign objects can be deadly if swallowed, these are of some of the most common:
Corn cobs Rat poison/slug bait
Raisons/grapes Antifreeze
White onions/garlic Compost
Dental floss Certain bones
Chocolate Tylenol and ibuprofen
Avocados Apple/cherry seeds
*Perform a safety check of your home the same way that you would for a small child Try putting things out of reach that could potentially be chewed or consumed. Dogs have particular fondness for eating:
Socks/undergarments Feminine hygiene products
Remote controls Shoes
Carefully check all pet toys to be sure there are no small parts that can be chewed off. Not all toys sold as pet toys are safe for our pets!
*Never feed your pet medications intended for human use or other pets. Many human medications are considered toxic to animals even in very small doses.
*Have permanent ID for your pet like a microchip and/or tattoo. Tags and collars can fall off or be removed. Despite best intentions pets do get away – scared, startled, or even stolen.
*Use reflector tags on your pet’s collar for safety after dark.
*If you have a fenced yard, install sturdy latches on both sides of gates to ensure closure. Post signs reminding guests pets are locked in the yard safely.
*Check garden and flowerbed for toxic plants.
-Tomatoes – green stalks and flowering part of plant
-Rhubarb
Toxic plant bulbs:
-Gladiolas -Lilies -Oleander
-Tulips -Iris -Lilly of the Valley
-Monkshood -Amaryllis -Elephant ears
-Hyacinth -Narcissus -Daffodils
-Castor bean -Autumn crocus
*Avoid your pet being in contact with herbicides and pesticides in your own yard and in public areas that are being treated.
*Be cautious when using off leash parks, wildlife live there too and can be more active at night. Even the smallest parks can have coyotes, deer, raccoons and porcupines living there. Always be aware where your dog is and be able to make them return to you if danger arrives. Have your pets Rabies vaccines up to date.
*Post an “In case of Fire” sticker at each entrance of you home listing # of pets.
*Have an emergency kit prepared with each pet’s necessities during fire, flood, power outage or any disaster. Medications, wound care, wound cleaning, extra food, leashes, and blankets.
*Practice loading and taking your pet for rides in the car at least until you know that you can do it efficiently by yourself. You may consider using a ramp if you can’t lift your pet.
*Always use a leash or kennel for small pets. Animals don’t act like themselves when hurt or scared.
*Never travel with your dog in the back of a pickup truck, it’s illegal in Alberta!
*Never leave your pet in a hot car! Even with the windows down on a 290C day, the temperature in the car can rise from 390C to 490C in 30 minutes. A rise to 300C is all it takes for your dog to be in a dangerous situation. At 420C, the heart, brain, liver, kidneys, and intestinal tracts begin breaking down at a cellular level, and the damage progresses rapidly.
L. Kelly AHT
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