SUMMERTIME SAFETY TIPS

Summertime can be fun for both you and your pets. But during the dog days of summer, pet owners need to take some precautions to keep their animal companions happy, cool and safe. Here are some hot-weather tips.

Sun Protection
It is as important for your pet as it is for us to consistently use sunscreen to avoid harmful sun damage. This is especially important if your pet has short hair, white fur or pink skin. Please feel free to talk to us about choosing the appropriate sunscreen and be sure to limit your pet's exposure to the sun.

Avoiding Heatstroke
Outdoor playtime during the hottest hours of the day should be limited. Early morning or evenings are best. Dogs aren't as efficient at cooling down as we are. They release most of their body heat only through the pads of their feet and by panting. Be especially careful with puppies and elderly pets. Providing a cooling vest or water soaked bandanna are also great ways to prevent overheating. And most important, be sure to provide plenty of water.

Water Safety
If you're planning on spending time at the pool or lake this summer, never leave a pet unsupervised. Even dogs who are good swimmers need to be protected around water. A dog life preserver and pool alarm that alerts you if anything that weighs more than 9 lbs. falls into your pool are great precautions.

Parasite Prevention
Mosquitoes and ticks are out in full force in the summer. Infections can cause potentially serious medical issues for your pets. These bugs and parasites could also be carried into your home. Be sure to protect your pet and your family by talking to your veterinarian about preventations.

Travel Safety
Make sure your pets are safely secured in the car during any travelling. They should travel in an appropriately sized crate or in a harness secured to a seat belt. But most importantly, be especially careful not to leave your pet unsupervised in a car, even for just a moment, as animals can quickly overheat.

Summer Storms
Storms that are common in summer may cause some level of stress to some pets. Some pets may have a response to the change in air pressure or to the sound of thunder. Providing a reassuring place they can safely rest may help calm your pet.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

One of the most frightening aspects of Halloween is the increase in pet accidents and injuries. Here are some simple tips to avoid accidents and ensure your pet's safety this Halloween.

Candy Safety
Keep all candy well sealed and out of reach. Make sure wrappers are discarded and your pet is not able to dig them out of the trash. Also, exercise caution when walking your pet outside. Frequently scan the ground for dropped candy. Ingestion of chocolate can be toxic.

Safe Decorations
Place festive decorations out of reach. Stay away from small or low hanging items, or even large items with parts that could appeal to pets. Ingestion could cause choking or result in the need for surgery.

Designate Secure Spots
Designate a secure spot for your pet inside your home. Traffic to and from your house may increase dramatically on Halloween night. This will help reduce the anxiety that can cause pets to run away.

Costume Safety
If you dress your pet in a Halloween costume, make sure the outfit is roomy, reflective and fire retardant. Costumes tied too tight could cut off circulation and choke your pet.

HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS

While everyone is enjoying the holiday festivities this winter, pets are often overlooked when it comes to keeping things safe for them. Holiday decorations, certain foods, visitor traffic, cold weather and even bright lights could cause potential danger for your pets. Here are some safety precautions so you can enjoy the holidays without risking your pets health.

Secure the Christmas Tree
Make sure the Christmas tree is securely anchored to keep them from toppling over, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also help prevent tree water spills. Tree water may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset. Also, stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria.

Avoid Decoration with Sparkly Tinsel or Ribbons
Kitties love to get their hands or mouths on these sparkly material. If swallowed, it can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery.

Toy Safety
Choose toys that are nearly indestructible. Dogs are known to tear their toys apart and even swallowing pieces. Avoid long and stringy things that cats love to play with and may ingest.

Flower and Plant Safety
Opt for pet-safe bouquets or artificial plants this holiday. Some flowers and plants are poisonous to animals if ingested. Holly can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats.

Candle Safety
Don't leave lit candles unattended. Pets can burn themselves or knock them over and cause fires. Use appropriate holders and place them on a stable surface. And don't forget to put the candle out if you leave the room.

Protection from the Cold
Some dogs may not adjust well to the cold weather. Sweaters can help pets stay warm and comfortable. Dogs that are kept outside, even temporarily, must have shelter that protects them from the harsh elements of winter. Ask your veterinarian about winterizing.

Wire and Ornament Safety
Keep batteries, ornaments and electrical wires out of your pet's reach. These items present quite tempting toys for pets to chew on. Punctured batteries can cause burns to the mouth and esophogus. Shards of breakable ornaments can cut your pet's mouth. Take an extra minute or two during decorating to tape down or cover wires that can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock.

Careful with Holiday Cocktails
Be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks out of your pet's reach. If ingested, it can lead to respiratory failure.

Their Own Quiet Space
Provide a quiet retreat for your pets to get away from all the holiday noise. Give them their own quiet space in a separate room with plenty of water.

Protection from the New Year's Noise and Confetti
Noisy poppers can terrify some pets and can cause possible damage to sensitive ears. Thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines if ingested. This could lead to surgery. Keep your pets safely away from the countdown celebrations.