Loving My Animals

As the outside temperatures warm up, you and your dog are likely both looking forward to your upcoming spring season adventures. Just as you hate being cooped up inside all winter, so too does your dog. As spring arrives and the days get longer, your dog will want to spend more time outside and in the car with you. To keep your dog safe and reduce your trips to the local animal hospital, here are some helpful tips:

Tip: Make Sure All of Your Windows Have Undamaged Screens on Them

The warmer and longer days of spring mean that you will have your home's windows open more often. Since your screens may have been damaged during winter storms, take a moment to walk around your home and check each window. Screens that are missing or loose are a danger to your pets. If you leave your window open and don't have a screen or the screen is damaged, then your dog can jump out of the window after a cat that walks through your yard. Since your windows are up off of the ground, the height could cause a leg injury for your dog. 

Tip: Ensure Your Dog is Safe While Traveling in Your Vehicle

Since the weather is finally warming up and you and your pet are eager to take trips to the local dog park or go on other driving adventures, it is important you ensure your dog is safely traveling in your vehicle. Smaller breed dogs should be crated and the crate should be secured in the back seat or in the cargo compartment of your SUV or van. Never place a pet's crate on top of your car or in an enclosed trunk. 

If your dog is too large for a crate to be practical, then you should purchase and install a dog seat harness. The harness will keep your dog safe when you stop short, make sudden turns, and if you are involved in an automobile accident.

Tip: Put Veterinary Emergency Contact Numbers in Your Cell Phone Today

Finally, if you have not already done so, take a moment right now to put your veterinary clinic and local animal hospital's phone numbers in your cell phone contact's list. Also, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can be reached at (888) 426-4435 and they are a wonderful resource if you believe your pet has ingested something poisonous and are unable to reach your dog's vet or are not near an emergency animal hospital. Having these numbers handy is a must because you may not be near home when an emergency situation happens.

To learn more, contact an animal hospital like Center-Sinai Animal Hospital.