As pet owners, our responsibility is to keep our pet’s safe. But with the hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be easy to overlook some of those hazards that are threatening their health and safety. The thing is that though we think our pets are safe, most injuries that our furry friends sustain occur at home.
In this article, your friends here at Easy Scoops will walk you through some of the things that can be hazardous to our pet’s health and safety, and what you can do to keep them safe.
Protecting Your Pets Year-Round: What to Watch Out For
As seasons change, so do the challenges of keeping our pets healthy and happy. From the sweltering heat of summer to the icy chill of winter, each time of year brings its own set of hazards that might only sometimes be on your radar. Beyond seasonal concerns, there are also everyday risks in your yard and garden that can impact your furry companion’s well-being.
Let’s take a closer look at some common hazards and practical steps you can take to create a safer environment for your pet—no matter the season or weather.
Cold Weather Care: Keeping Your Pet Cozy and Safe
Okay, let’s level set a bit here. First, we know that with our locations in Albuquerque and Oklahoma City, we don’t face the same biting cold as our friends up north. But whether you’re dealing with a light chill or a serious freeze, it’s important to understand how cold weather can affect your pet’s well-being. The truth is that freezing temperatures can take a toll on pets, especially if precautions aren’t taken. Frostbite and hypothermia are two serious risks that can develop faster than you might think.
Frostbite occurs when extreme cold causes tissue damage, usually affecting the ears, tail, and paws first. Meanwhile, hypothermia can set in when a pet’s body temperature drops too low, leading to lethargy, shivering, and, in severe cases, life-threatening conditions.
Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe from the Cold
To help protect your pets during colder months, here are a few tips:
- Dress for warmth. Short-haired breeds and small dogs benefit from wearing a coat or sweater when temperatures drop. Choose options that cover the chest and abdomen while still allowing free movement.
- Watch for chemical hazards. Ice-melting chemicals used on sidewalks can irritate your pet’s paws and skin. Wipe their paws after walks to remove any residue.
- Limit outdoor exposure. If your pet is out for a walk or playtime, keep the sessions short, especially in freezing conditions.
It’s important to know when the temperature becomes too dangerous. According to PetMD, small dogs, those with thin coats, and very young, old, or unwell pets are at risk of cold-related health issues when the temperature drops below 32°F. Once it dips below 20°F, all dogs—no matter the breed or size—could be in danger of frostbite or hypothermia if left outside too long.
Pets are part of the family, and keeping them safe from the cold means keeping their outdoor time limited and cozying up indoors when it’s freezing out. If you wouldn’t want to stay outside in the cold, neither would your furry friend!
Warm and Hot Weather Hazards: Staying Cool and Hydrated
Now let’s talk about that warmer weather, something we’re a bit more used to down here in the south. While sunny days are perfect for outdoor adventures, they can pose risks for pets if precautions aren’t taken.
Heatstroke is one of the biggest dangers when temperatures rise. It happens when a pet’s body temperature climbs too high, and it can quickly become life-threatening. Symptoms include heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, an increased heart or respiratory rate, stupor, and in severe cases, collapse. Recognizing these signs early is key to keeping your pet safe in the heat.
Here are some tips to help your pet stay cool during warmer months:
- Provide shade. Make sure there are shaded areas in your yard or outdoor space where your pet can escape the sun.
- Keep water accessible. Always have fresh, cool water available for your pet to drink, especially when they’re outside.
- Choose the right times for walks. Early mornings and evenings are cooler and safer times to take your pet for exercise.
Never leave pets in parked cars, even for a short period. According to recent updates, 31 states and the District of Columbia have laws addressing animals left in confined vehicles under dangerous conditions. These laws allow for legal consequences for vehicle owners or provide immunity to rescuers who forcibly remove an animal in distress, such as breaking a window. On a hot day, car temperatures can skyrocket, creating a deadly situation within minutes. Prioritize your pet’s safety by keeping them out of vehicles when it’s warm.
The Risks of Standing Water in Your Yard
At this point, we’ve covered the risks of seriously cold and seriously hot temperatures for your pets. But, there are other risks that you might not have considered. One of those risks is standing water in your yard. This can happen due to a poor grade or slope of your yard and excess watering to name a couple of reasons. Whatever the reason, however, it’s not a good thing for your pet.
Standing water in your yard can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, parasites, and mosquitoes. These stagnant pools attract pests like mosquitoes, which carry heartworm—a serious health threat for dogs. Additionally, bacteria such as leptospira thrive in stagnant water, putting pets at risk of contracting leptospirosis, a disease that can cause kidney and liver damage.
Here are some tips to help keep standing water under control in your yard:
- Fill in low spots. Level out holes or depressions where water tends to collect.
- Clean water bowls regularly. Dump and clean outdoor water bowls daily to prevent buildup.
- Maintain proper drainage. Keep gutters and drains clear of debris to help direct water away from your yard.
Pet-Safe Plants
We all want a lovely yard, especially if we own our own homes. But the truth is that some plants are not safe for pets. In fact, we’ve read that an estimated 25% of pet poisoning cases each year are because a pet ingested a toxic plant. To keep your pet from becoming one of these statistics, it’s important to pay attention to what’s safe and what’s not.
Some common plants, like lilies, azaleas, and sago palms, are toxic to cats and dogs. Ingesting these can lead to serious health issues, ranging from vomiting to kidney failure. For a pet-friendly yard, consider planting safe alternatives. Spider plants, Boston ferns, and sunflowers are non-toxic options that can add greenery and color without risking your pet’s health.
It’s also important to monitor your outdoor spaces, especially if your pets roam freely. Check for harmful plants regularly, particularly if neighbors’ plants might drop seeds or leaves into your yard.
Pets and the Harmful Effects of Their Own Waste
Last but not least, we’d be remiss if we didn’t talk about the harmful effects of your pet’s exposure to their own waste. We are Easy Scoops, after all, a pet waste removal company, and we know a thing or two about unhealthy doo-doo.
So, let’s talk about a behavior some pet owners find baffling: why do pets eat their own poop? Known as coprophagia, this behavior can stem from boredom, stress, or even nutritional deficiencies. If pets don’t get enough nutrients from their diet, they might turn to their waste to supplement what’s missing.
The health risks associated with coprophagia include exposure to harmful bacteria and internal parasites, which can lead to illness or digestive problems.
Here are some tips to help prevent this behavior:
- Timely waste removal. Clean up the yard regularly—Easy Scoops can handle this for you!
- Adjust their diet. Consult your vet to make sure your pet’s diet meets all their nutritional needs. Know that what they are eating now might need to be changed up depending on any nutritional deficiencies.
- Redirect their focus. Offer toys or treats to keep them entertained and distracted from eating waste.
Help Keep Your Pet Safe and Healthy with Easy Scoops Pet Waste Removal
There are so many things to pay attention to when keeping your pet safe and healthy. By paying attention to the weather, their eating habits, and what they’re subjected to on a regular basis, you’re doing your part in creating a life that will keep your pet healthy and happy for the long haul. One of the things you can do to make things easier for you is to hire a pet waste removal company to keep your yard clean and fresh.
Want to learn more? Check out our services and contact us today to get started! We look forward to helping you create a happy and healthy yard for you and your pet to enjoy.
