Dog Dayz of Summer - Keep your Pets Safe...

What is the MOST Dangerous Season for your Pet? Try – Summer!!! http://ping.fm/zEY7w

Summer is the time of year when we are out with our pets.  We are busy cutting the grass or working in the garden and doing a pile of other chores.  However, before you get the mower and fertilizer out, please do a safety check of the plants and yard products you use in your home and out in your yard. Some of these tools are potentially life-threatening hazards for your pets.

Be sure to read the labels.

Read the labels on all products you use in and around the house. This includes directions  and actions in case of poisoning.  You can easily check the toxicity and first aid protocols for any chemical by going to Google and typing in “MSDS:” and then the chemical substance.  Using products that are safe for your pet can save you a lot of money in long run.

Keep an eye on your pet.

This is just common sense. No one lets their toddler run loose in the yard unsupervised.  So, it just makes sense that you wouldn't let you pet run loose unmonitored either. Preventable accidents are termed “preventable” for a reason. It only takes a minute for that accident to take place.

Know when and how to induce vomiting.

Vomiting should only be induced when the poison ingested is known or if your Veterinarian recommends vomiting.  If the substance swallowed is caustic (bleach, pool cleaner, acids, etc.), it burns on the way down and will burn on the way back up.  Also, there is the danger that the caustic substance could get into the airway, which can be deadly. If caustic, then it is best not induce vomiting but get to the Emergency clinic immediately so the pet’s stomach can be pumped.  Hydrogen peroxide is recommended for inducing vomiting, so be sure to have it on hand in your pet first aid kit.

Call your emergency animal hospital first, not Animal Poison Control.

Why?  Because calling an 800 number takes up valuable time.  Losing time is the biggest enemy when it comes to first and and treatment of your pet.  Be sure you know where a 24-hour emergency animal hospital is with a veterinarian on staff.  Develop a good  relationship with the staff of the clinic. Let them know who you and your pets are. Then when something happens (God-forbid) you call the emergency animal hospital. They have probably already dealt with or encountered whatever you are currently experiencing and will know how to immediately assist you with the correct response protocols.

Get trained and current in pet CPR and first aid.

Look up online where there is a course near you.

Be Proactive!    

Make a routine at the beginning of each month to identify the potential environmental and holiday dangers that could come up with your pet. A good example this time of year is the mushrooms that grow so quickly in our yards after the rains; they can be extremely attractive and deadly to your pets. Cocoa mulch that is getting popular in the gardening section is attractive and toxic to our pets (and wildlife) and should not be used.  Also, summer is the time of year that mouse, rat and snail poisons are frequently and too generously used. The list goes on and on.