Five dog safety tips all owners should know

September 21, 2023 26

Our pets are members of the family, and they rely on us to love and protect them. Dogs are naturally curious, so they could stick their noses in the wrong places if their owners don’t take precautions. Protecting your pup means going to the vet, traveling appropriately, dog-proofing the home inside and out, and teaching essential commands. To help pet parents better understand this advice, we’ve created this guide on safety tips all dog owners should know.

Regularly take your dog to the vet

Most of us visit the doctor at least once a year for a general checkup to ensure we’re in good health. Likewise, our dogs should visit the vet at least once per year. Canines need specific vaccines to prevent life-endangering diseases, such as rabies, distemper, and parvo.

Additionally, consistent vet visits help extend a pet’s life since the veterinarian can detect possible conditions. The earlier an animal expert spots an issue, the easier it is to begin and manage treatment.

Pro Tip

If your dog acts abnormally, gets injured, throws up multiple times, or has gastrointestinal issues, call your Veterinarian. Like us, dogs sometimes require emergency visits to the vet.

Travel in the car safely

A lot of us take our furry friends nearly everywhere we go. While this can mean enriching activities and bonding time for you two, you should know the various things to avoid when traveling with your dog, especially in the car. For example, your pup should never roam freely in the vehicle, sit in your lap, or hang their head out the window.

Using a canine seatbelt or crating your dog prevents them from getting ejected from the vehicle if you get in a car accident. Additionally, keeping your dog in place ensures they don’t dart out of the vehicle once you come to a stop and open their door.

Dog-proofing inside and outside the house

Dog-proofing the inside of your house is something all dog owners should know. Keep all cables out of reach, as some canines love to chew, and biting on a cord can be lethal. Additionally, keep all toxic substances — such as cleaning solvents, essential oils, and soaps — out of your pup’s reach. The same goes for toxic foods like chocolate, grapes, macadamia nuts, and garlic.

You should also make the exterior of your home a canine oasis. Ensure you have shady areas in the yard so your pup can escape the heat. If you have a garden, avoid plants such as tulips, daffodils, azaleas, or sago palm — these are just some of the many shrubberies that are toxic to dogs.

Pro Tip

If you’re unsure whether a plant is dangerous for your dog, contact the vet before adding it to your garden.

Teach your dog essential commands

Most importantly, your dog should know a few key commands. Every pup should respond to their name, “drop it,” and “stay.” These commands protect your dog by ensuring they know when to go to you when called and when to drop dangerous items. By keeping an eye on your pup and teaching them the right commands, you’ll increase their chances of living a long and prosperous life!