Every pet parent’s top priority should be to ensure their pets’ safety throughout the year. Many times, there are numerous aspects of pet safety that are disregarded. For the most recent updates in the pet industry, pet parents frequently turn to us, the pet bloggers.
If you’re the owner of a pet reading this (and most of us are), have a peek at this list and see how much you know, or think you know, about these topics. Then follow this blog (and others) for pet safety tips all month long.
Dangers Inside Vehicles
Never leave your pet alone in a car. If the headlines don’t terrify you about what might occur in a matter of minutes, keep in mind that partially open windows let in less air and give your pet more opportunity to be taken.
External Car Risks
Your dog should never travel in an open truck bed. An estimated 100,000 or more dogs are thought to perish annually as a result of unanticipated dangers, abrupt stops, and turns. In addition to the metal floor, truck beds expose dogs to the sun, which can burn their sensitive paw pads. When a truck is connected and it bumps into anything, the dogs could choke to death.
The Dangers of Outdoor Living
This blog post may elicit debate, but it’s sure to spark conversation. Dogs and cats shouldn’t be forced to live outside, where a variety of mishaps could occur. Talk about this in your blog post.
Collar Check
Collars should be checked frequently on adult pets to make sure they’re not too tight or too loose. You should be able to easily slip two or three fingers between your pet’s collar and their neck.
Alerting Emergency Personnel
Did you know that the ASPCA offers a free safety decal kit to pet owners who ask? Do you own a pet rescue window decal or perhaps need one? What plans do you have in place for emergency personnel to respond and help? Minutes, even seconds, count when disaster strikes.
Plans for Evacuation and Emergencies
Do you have procedures in place for emergency evacuation in case of bad weather or other problems? As someone who has experienced an emergency evacuation with her dog, I understand the significance of this subject. Also, as hurricane season is almost approaching, this is really relevant. Emergencies occur anywhere, whether you live on the East or West Coast or outside of the United States.
First Aid Kit for Pets
Tell your readers what should be included in a first aid pack. Think about supplies that people might not think of but that might be useful, such as hydrogen peroxide, flea/tick remover, and more.
Herbicides, Insecticides, and Fertilizers: Oh My
Ingestion of different substances can cause illness or worse in pets. Do you know which plants are safe and which are not? Is mulch toxic? What about organic stuff? You can do a series—perhaps a week long or month long–focus on these dangers.
Outdoor Injuries
From hiking mishaps to ear infections from swimming, injuries do happen year-round. Do you know what to do in an emergency? Talk to a veterinarian or two and post a helpful Q&A for your readers.
Paw Myths
You could discuss pet paws in detail in a post. What about a mythbuster perspective or a true-or-false quiz? This is a well-liked strategy that I occasionally use on my site.
Remain Calm
Speak with specialists about heat exhaustion, warning signs, how to spot a pet in danger, how to prevent it, and how to put it all together with some amazing outdoor pet photos.
Warnings about Water
Water safety is an extremely topical topic, encompassing everything from life jackets to boating safety, swimming, and water sports.
Travels by Car
In addition to the advice on not leaving pets unattended in cars, there is a piece about preparing for road trips and how to travel securely with a pet is very timely. Mix in some statistics: How many people travel with a pet? Interview folks who travel (even fly) with a pet and get some quotes.