5 Pet Safety Tips for People Who Love Their Pets

This post begins with a personal story about my beloved pets, and ends with 5 pet safety tips for people who love their pets. 

The Story: Cocoa and Moxie, My Beloved Dogs

I love my pets! My pets are not just animals, they are family members, and I suspect many of you feel the same way. For eleven-years I was lucky to have Cocoa, my Miniature Pinscher, sharing life with me. She was a stray I found walking down the street in my neighborhood one hot day long ago.  She weighed about 10 pounds and was deep chocolate color with little pointed ears, brown and black feet, and dark black button eyes. Cocoa melted my heart instantly. I posted lost dog flyers, but she was never claimed and officially became my Cocoa. 

Coca was my constant companion and morning walk buddy, though she hated walking in the rain. She was a real lady dog who insisted on wearing her pink flowered dog collar. Cocoa was friendly and had that ‘little big dog’ complex – she believed with all her little dog heart that she was my bodyguard. When I drove from California to Virginia after the death of my husband, she was with me, and she kept me going. I added pillows to her dog safety seat so she could see out of the window as we traveled. We stayed at pet-friendly hotels, and she let me know when anyone walked by or knocked on the hotels’ doors. 

Due to circumstance, I had to travel back east. I was unable to bring Cocoa with me and I left her with my family. Cocoa by now was a senior dog, and had some health issues. Within a month of my leaving, she had passed away. Although I didn’t have a choice at the time, I felt so guilty that I had left her behind! I was broken-hearted; I cried and cried and cried. In my grief I told myself that I would never have another pet. But eventually my heart disagreed, and today I do have another dog in my home. Her name is Moxie, and she is just as loved, and as loving, as Cocoa was, and just as much a part of my family. 

Why am I sharing this story? Because it illustrates how much love our pets give to us, and with how much joy they fill our lives. It is only right that we repay their love, kindness, support, companionship, and protection by doing what we can to love and protect them in return. Below are 5 Pet Safety Tips to help you do just that.

5 Pet Safety Tips

1 – Never Leave Your Pets Unattended in a Vehicle!

They love you and want to go when you go. But no matter how much your precious pooches beg you with their big beautiful puppy dog eyes, if you cannot take your dog inside the buildings at your destination, then you must leave them at home, and keep them safe. A quick internet search will show you too many reports of heat-related deaths to dogs who were left alone in a car while the owner just ran a quick errand. An animal can die within minutes of being left in a hot car, yes even in the shade, with the window partially open, and on a cloudy day. Those who live in warm climate states especially need to pay attention to this. Lesser widely reported but just as important, pets can become chilled in cold cars in winter and suffer from hypothermia or worse.  Many states have good samaritan laws that allow passersby to break the windows of an unattended vehicle that has an animal inside it, and some states have laws against leaving an animal (or child!) unattended in a vehicle. Owners who are guilty of this may be faced with fines or even jail time.

2 – Be Conscious of the Ground Temperatures on Your Pet’s Paws

Whether summer or winter, be conscious of the ground condition and temperature when you are taking your dog for a walk. Also pay attention to your dog’s walk style. If you notice they are limping or having an otherwise unusual gait, stop and check their paws for injuries, or stickers or pebbles that might have gotten lodged into or between their paw pads. Touch the ground with your own bare foot – if it is too hot in summer for your own feet to handle, then it is probably too hot for theirs too. In winter check for ice accumulating between their toes. Iceballs can easily form on the fur at their feet. 

3 – Always Carry a Canteen for Fido Too

When you are walking with your dog always carry a water drinking cup just for them and make sure they have ample drink stops to ensure they don’t get dehydrated. Remember, if you are getting thirsty, they are too!

4 – Bring Your Pets Inside During Hot Summer and Cold Winter Weather

Just because your dogs and cats have fur doesn’t mean they are completely insulated from very hot or very cold weather. When the weather gets rough, make sure Ruffy comes inside with you to stay cool in summer and warm in winter. Short snouted dogs like Pugs, Shih Tzus and Bulldogs are especially heat sensitive, as they have a harder time cooling off due to their flat faces. Animals sensitive to cold weather include small breeds, short-haired and hairless dogs and cats, seniors, kittens and puppies, those used to being indoors, and those with arthritis, joint problems, heart conditions and other medical issues. Even cold climate breeds with thick fur like huskies should not be left outside in freezing weather.

5 – Wipe Down Your Pets After a Walk

If you’ve ever walked outside barefoot, you know how grimy your feet get. Often times our pets’ paws are walking on paved or street surfaces where they may pick up traces of toxic chemicals like oil, antifreeze, harsh cleaning fluids, and more. After taking pooch for a walk, wash your pet’s belly, legs and feet to clean them from any harsh substances that may harm them. It’s natural for your dogs and cats to lick their paws and fur to clean themselves. If they’ve been outside, they may be licking up dangerous toxins while doing so. So clean them up when you get back home and keep them safe and healthy! 

Safety Reminders for Pet Parents

The Safety Inspiration by Liz shop includes a collection of items designed just for the pet lovers out there. The Pet Lovers Collection includes items from phone cases featuring your pet’s photo along with a graphic reminding you to never leave your precious furry friend alone in the car, to throw pillows declaring your love for your four-legged friend. Please click the pic below to check out the Pet Lovers Collection in the Safety Inspiration by Liz shop!