Kicking back with your pet can be a great experience. Before you go out and begin to spend time outdoors with your animals, some safety necessities need to be checked and considered.
Remember that you are responsible for the safety of your four-legged friends. It is critical to know what plants are toxic, just as it is important to check out potential insect dangers. Taking care of these things before spending time outdoors will ensure you and your animals stay safe. Here are safety tips on how to spend time outdoors with your pets.
1. Know Which Plants Are Toxic to Your Pets
Every region of a country has poisonous plants, so it is essential to know which ones are local. If you have pets or young children who like to wander around outside, be aware of what’s in your yard.
For example, if you live in an area where oleanders grow wild, make sure your pet doesn’t eat any. The oleander shrub is highly toxic, containing cardiac glycosides which affect the heart muscle.
If you are in doubt about what your pets may have come into contact with, be safe and call your vet right away. You can also hire landscaping services to help you ensure your yard, paths, and garden are all pet-friendly.
2. Insect-Related Dangers
Your pet may encounter ticks and other insects while you’re out in nature. Be sure to check them for ticks (and fleas) when they come back indoors.
If you need some help, ask your vet for more information on tick removal. Also, knowing which bugs are poisonous is another excellent way to keep yourself and your pets safe when spending time outdoors.
3. Hot Weather Dangers
Take precautions in hot weather, as your pet could easily overheat and become dehydrated. Make sure they have access to shade and fresh water whenever you’re outdoors with them on a hot day. Also, take notice of your pet’s behavior — if he isn’t acting like himself or becomes weak, it may be time to call your vet.
4. Cold Weather Dangers
Like people, pets can get frostbite and hypothermia if they’re not treated properly on a cold winter day. Taking precautions like keeping them indoors or having easy access to the shelter will help keep you and your pet safe. If you need more information, ask your veterinarian.
5. Water Hazards
Many pets are fond of playing in the water, but that doesn’t mean it is always safe for them to do so. Not only can they catch the disease by drinking out of unknown bodies of water, but they also may be swept away by fast currents. Keep an eye on your pet’s behavior in the water and know when to call for help.
6. Prepare a List of Emergency Contacts
To be prepared for any possible situation, it is a good idea to have the following information on hand: Your pet’s name and age, your veterinarian’s contact info, local emergency vet clinic phone number, and poison control hotline number.
That way, if an emergency occurs, you know who to contact for help. Having this information available will help if you need to make an important decision in a panic.
7. Spend Time Outdoors During Safe Hours
For your pet’s, and yours, safety, it is a good idea to spend time outdoors during daylight hours. This helps keep you and your pet protected from weather dangers as well as unexpected events.
Preventing accidents is the first step toward providing a safe environment. If you can’t or don’t want to head out in broad daylight, be sure to have a friend with you in case there is an emergency.
8. Keep an Eye Out for Injuries and Illnesses
It is easy to get so wrapped up in spending time outdoors that you don’t notice an injured animal. Take the time to look your pet over from nose to tail before playtime ends. If you have a list of emergency contacts available, call for help if an injury happens while you’re outside. Also, be sure to take note of any changes in behavior that may indicate illness or disease. If your pet becomes injured or ill, be sure to seek veterinary help immediately.
If you are in doubt about what your pets may have come into contact with, be safe and call your vet right away. Preventing accidents is the first step toward providing a secure environment.
Be sure to take all of these precautions into account before spending time outdoors with your pets. If you are aware of the risks and dangers, you will be able to spend fun times outside together without worry.
