How to Protect Dogs and Cats From Household Dangers

{ January 14, 2009 @ 3:15 am } · { Uncategorized }
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Step1

Keep your cat or dog away from toxic plants. Toxic plants commonly found around the house include mistletoe, schefflera, philodendron, dumbcane (dieffenbachia) and caladium. Talk to your local nursery about which toxic outdoor plants are common in your area.

Step2

Keep objects that are small enough to be swallowed away from your cat or dog. A small ball or loose string is easy to swallow and may cause bowel obstruction.

Step3

Store toxic chemicals, as well as dangerously sharp objects and utensils (knives, razors and scissors), in closed containers inside cupboards and cabinets.

Step4

Avoid confining your cat or dog in areas where cleaning products and other chemicals are stored.

Step5

Clean up any spilled chemicals thoroughly ‘ especially antifreeze ‘ before letting your pet into the area where a spill has occurred (see related eHow ‘Detect Antifreeze Poisoning in Your Pet’).

Step6

Keep chocolate in areas where your dog cannot reach it. Chocolate is toxic to dogs.

Step7

Secure electrical cords behind appliances, hidden from your pet’s view, and tape them to the wall if necessary. Discourage your pet from chewing on them by spraying the cords with bitter apple spray or other unpleasant flavors (see related eHow ‘Prevent Your Pet From Chewing on Electrical Cords’).

Step8

Check and repair any damaged fencing, gates, doors, windows or screens where your cat or dog might escape.

Step9

Be cautious ‘ watch for your cat or dog as you drive in and out of your garage to make sure you don’t run over her or get her caught in the garage door.

Step10

Keep medications and vitamins out of your pet’s reach, and never give her medication labeled for people unless directed by your veterinarian. For example, acetaminophen is toxic for cats, and ibuprofen can cause kidney failure in dogs.


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Tips & Warnings

  • Animal behaviorists compare cats and dogs to children when it comes to understanding and avoiding hazards. Be vigilant in protecting your pet.

How to Pack a First Aid Kit for Pets

{ January 14, 2009 @ 3:10 am } · { Uncategorized }
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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Step1

Get a durable, waterproof (or at least water-resistant) container that opens and closes easily yet securely. It should be large enough to hold the items mentioned below.

Step2

Include bandage material, such as gauze pads, cotton gauze, adhesive tape and masking tape.

Step3

Keep a bottle of hydrogen peroxide and anti-bacterial ointment or cream in the kit.

Step4

Include diarrhea medication, but seek your veterinarian’s approval before use.

Step5

Be sure to pack a pair of scissors, plus tweezers or forceps.

Step6

Add a few eyedroppers for dispensing liquid medication or for cleaning superficial wounds.

Step7

Include syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting in the event your pet is poisoned. If your pet is poisoned, consult your veterinarian before inducing vomiting.

Step8

Find activated charcoal at any health food store. This remedy is good for poisoning or diarrhea and controls flatulence resulting from any stomach or intestinal upset.

Step9

Store blankets in the kit to keep your pet warm in extreme conditions.

Step10

When traveling, call ahead to your destination to see if there are any particular dangers, such as snakes, poisonous plants or extreme heat, that you will need to consider when packing your first aid kit.

Step11

Include the phone numbers of your pet’s regular veterinarian and of a nearby emergency veterinary hospital.

Tips & Warnings

  • Muzzle an injured dog, since overly stressed dogs are more at risk of biting.
  • For spinal injuries, secure your pet to a board with masking tape that will not hurt the fur or skin. Avoid placing the dog inside a crate or carrier, and call your veterinarian before heading to the hospital so the staff can prepare for your arrival.
  • Never give your cat aspirin or acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol). They are extremely toxic to cats. Avoid giving ibuprofen to dogs, as it can cause kidney failure.

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