October is National Animal Safety and Protection Month. This month is dedicated to promoting the safe practices of handling and caring for both domestic and wild animals. Whether or not we own pets, animals are an important part of our lives; therefore, we should treat them with respect and kindness.
Below are some tips on how best to keep your pets safe and protected:
Safety and Protection Tips
Make sure your pets are up-to-date with their vaccinations and annual wellness exams.
Ensure dogs wear collars with proper ID tags and both dogs and cats are microchipped should they get lost. Take well-lit, colored photos of your pets as another way to identify them.
Keep toxic or harmful household plants, foods, chemicals, and supplies away from your pets.
Keep your home clean to avoid your pets ingesting things that could pose a choking hazard to them.
Learn basic pet first aid
Be aware of any changes to your pet's behavior, including eating and bathroom habits.
Have an escape plan in place should you need to evacuate your home and take your pets with you. Know the location of their leashes/harnesses, carriers, and extra supplies like food, water, litter, and disposable litter pans.
Give your pets lots of love and affection so they feel safe and secure as a member of your family.
Did You Know?
The Red Cross has a free mobile app for Pet First Aid. According to their site: “The FREE Pet First Aid app puts veterinary advice for emergencies as well as everyday pet care in the palm of your hand. With videos, interactive quizzes, and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know pet first aid.”*
Take a moment this month and review the tips listed above to ensure you’re doing your part to keep the animals in your care safe and protected. We all can contribute towards animal safety and protection, not just in October but every month.
*Source: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/mobile-apps.html
If you’re a working professional or a busy traveler and need a helping hand with your cats or small pets, we are ready to help! We offer daily cat sitting and small pet care up to twice a day. Check out our Services page online to learn more!