Labor Day Safety Tips for Pets

1. Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals.

2. Always assign a dog guardian. No matter where you're celebrating, be sure to assign a friend or member of the family to keep an eye on your pooch-especially if you're not in a fenced-in yard or other secure area.

3. Made in the shade. Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water, and make sure they have a shady place to escape the sun.

4. Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of paws' reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing-or even kidney disease in severe cases.

5. Keep your pet on his normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pet severe indigestion and diarrhea.

6. Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingesting any of these items can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression in your pets, and if inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia.

7. Never leave your dog alone in the car. Traveling with your dog means occasionally you'll make stops in places where he's not permitted. Be sure to rotate dog walking duties between family members, and never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle.

8. Make a safe splash. Don't leave pets unsupervised around a pool-not all dogs are good swimmers.

Source: http://www.dogster.com/the-scoop/labor-day-pet-safety-tips

Pets & Pool Safety

Swimming is one of the most fun activities for a hot summer day, for people and pets! Just keep in mind that your pets need supervision just like your children. When you can’t be outside with them, keep your pool gates closed and locked to prevent unwanted swimmers from entering the area. Help keep your children and pets, and those who live in your neighborhood, safe!

Pets & Over-the-Counter Medications

We may feel like our pets are human sometimes, but we have to always remember that they cannot eat some of the same foods or take the same medicines as us. It’s important to always keep your medications—from potent prescription medicines to basic pain killers like Tylenol and cough drops—out of your pet’s reach at all times.

Pets & Cookouts

Planning a barbeque at your house this summer? Having guests over, cooking out, swimming, socializing…all of these things can be tons of fun, but make sure your pet is accounted for during your picnic! There are many foods that are dangerous for pets to eat, and some pets are frightened of being around too many strangers at once. You know your pet better than anyone else, so consider in advance what would be best for your pet…staying with a friend, boarding, or sitting in a quiet part of the house while your guests are over are all good options.

Heat Stroke

Heatstroke is caused by overheating and dehydration, but did you know that it could be fatal? Pets that are left outside in the sun or not given plenty of fresh water to drink are at risk. Signs of heatstroke include shaking, excessive panting, and disorientation. If you think your pet is having heatstroke, it’s important to apply cool towels to your pet’s body to lower their temperature and bring them into Veterinary Emergency Group as quickly as possible.