Safety Tips For Dogs

April 10, 2020

Keeping your dog safe can sometimes seem like a daunting task. However, there are several simple things you can do to help ensure your dog’s safety.

Avoid Poisoning for Your Dog

One of the most common types of poisoning seen in dogs is with human prescription medications. Be sure to keep all of your family’s medications in an area where your dog cannot access them. Be careful when you or your family members are taking medications. A pill or pills dropped on the floor can quickly be snatched up by a curious dog.

Some medications are more dangerous than others. However, if your dog has ingested your medication by mistake, contact your veterinarian immediately. Be sure you have the telephone number for your veterinarian as well as the nearest emergency hospital easily available. You don’t want to be searching for telephone numbers in the middle of an emergency.

Another common type of poisoning is with toxic foods such as chocolate, grapes and raisins. Be careful what you feed your dog off of your table.

Always use both prescription and over-the-counter medications for dogs according to label directions. If the label is unclear, consult your veterinarian.

Plants are another common form of poisoning. Many common household and garden plants are toxic for dogs.

Keep Your Dog Safe in the Car

Riding in the car may be an enjoyable experience for your dog. You should always use a safety harness when your dog is riding in the car with you or place your dog in a carrier to keep him safe. Sudden unanticipated stops can send your dog flying and can cause injury.

Driving with car windows open can damage your dog’s sensitive eyes so caution is necessary when driving with your windows down or when driving a convertible. You can use Doggles® (googles made for dogs) to protect your dog’s eyes.

You may also want to consider using the automatic window locks on your car doors, if your car has them. These can prevent your dog from accidentally lowering a car window with a misplaced foot.

It is important never to leave your dog untended in your car. In warm weather, the temperature inside of a closed car can rise to dangerous levels within minutes, even with a window cracked.

Make Sure Your Dog is Easily Identified with a Collar and Tag

You will, of course, take every precaution to make sure your dog does not get lose and become lost. However, should the worst happen and your dog gets away accidentally, it is important that he can be easily identified. Your dog should be wearing a collar with an identification tag that includes your name, address and telephone so that you can be contacted easily if someone finds your dog.

Having a microchip implanted in your dog may be something to consider as well. A microchip is permanent and will remain with your dog for his entire life. It will require a scanner to find and read the microchip but most shelters, pounds and rescues have scanners and use them regularly. Many veterinary hospitals also have scanners available.

If you do decide to microchip your dog, be certain to register the microchip so that your personal information is available and you can be contacted if your dog is located. Be sure to keep your information up to date as well in the event that you move to a new location or change your telephone number.