Posts Tagged: Pet Safety

Most dogs love to go with us when we run errands, go on road trips, and other travel opportunities. Dogs and the open road go hand in hand, but there are a few habits that may not be so compatible. Letting your dog ride in the truck bed or stick their head out of the window seems pretty normal, but this activity can put your pet in grave danger.

Riding in the back of the truck poses the risk of accident and injury, and even worse, death. Even if your pet is inside the car, but leans out of a window, this can also spell disaster. To explain, Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here with the reasons why pet owners should reconsider.

Since you know how curious your cat or dog is, it’s amazing how many things they try and get into. Things we may never even imagine to be edible or tasty to them. But the reality is, pets are like toddlers and try and eat whatever they find. Because of this fact, it’s important to understand all of the potential pet poisons that are in the home and outdoors. 

March is national Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month, and your team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is observing the month by raising more awareness among our readers. As loving pet owners, we are sure you want the safest home for your four-legged and more education about pet toxins is key. Let’s take a look at why.

The holidays are a wondrous time of togetherness, food, festivities, and so much love. Good memories are made when we gather together and share the bounties of the year. Then we get to look ahead to a wonderful New Year. 

At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital we are all about making this time of year one of wonder and safety for our pet companions. That’s why we put together this list of helpful tips you can use this season, and throughout the year.

In theory, dog parks seem like a nearly perfect place. Dogs can run off-leash while enjoying each other’s company and come home tired and happy – all while you’ve been relaxing and skipping the daily walk. Sounds like a great plan, but with so many dogs and people (most of whom are likely looking at their phones rather than watching their dogs), trouble can quickly arise.

Practicing good dog park etiquette is the key to safely enjoying the park, and making sure others do too. 

Packing is no small feat, but when traveling with a pet the to-do list (or, to-grab list) can seem endless. Pets require extra gear and creature comforts while away from home, but to have the best possible trip it’s what you do before you leave that takes priority.

For sure, pet travel isn’t for everyone but when it’s approached the right way, it can make any journey more memorable.

Where to Start

Before you get too far ahead in the planning process, it’s a good idea to schedule a pet wellness exam. If there are any issues related to their health or behavior you can rule them out beforehand. Plus, we can give you ideas that aim to help your individual pet cope with being away from home. 

There are loads of little things that we acquire and then quickly forget about. We may not immediately need a box of 250 paperclips or rubber bands, but when we actually need them we’re pretty happy to have them on hand. 

Pet microchips are not unlike a collection of oddities that may (or may not) serve a purpose someday. Some chips are never scanned. But that’s good! That means that those pets were never separated from their people. Most importantly, when a pet gets lost or goes missing, it’s usually their microchip that leads to a joyful reunion at home. 

Independence Day is a beloved celebration for so many Americans. Sadly, the noise, crowds, and festivities can be scary – or even dangerous – for our pets. In fact, it’s rare to find a pet that doesn’t react to fireworks or noisy, crowded events by hiding, trembling, becoming destructive, or worse, fleeing the situation in an attempt to escape the source of their anxiety and fear.

Whether you are enjoying the holiday with fireworks, a party, or both, your friends at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital are here to help you create a pet-safe July 4th!

First Things First

The day after July 4th is the busiest of the year for animal shelters. With so many pets trying, and succeeding, to escape their homes during a fireworks display, it’s worth being prepared in advance.

When you look around your pet’s environment and consider potential toxins, the usual suspects probably come to mind: chocolate, Xylitol (a key ingredient in sugar-free foods and some peanut butter), antifreeze, medications, etc. However, in regions like ours – where the winters are mild and beautiful foliage and robust agriculture are plentiful – there’s an increased risk of exposure to outdoor pet toxins.

Reducing or eliminating your pet’s exposure to toxins, as well as being able to recognize and respond to a pet poisoning emergency, are key when it comes to protecting your furry loved one.