Author: Antonio Brasfalean

While I was walking with my little dog, she loved running after acorns. I didn’t know why, but she loved walking through the acorns and kept going to them.

If I accidentally kicked one of the acorns, she would run like crazy after it. Sometimes she would also pick them up and bring them to me.

Once, we came home after a walk, and she started drinking water. When I looked to fill her water bowl, I saw an acorn in it. She had brought one home, that’s how much she loved them!

At first, I didn’t think much of it, and she kept doing it.

But one day, she threw one up. I was so scared that I stopped walking with her near the acorns. Then, the next day, she threw up a total of eight acorns. I was terrified it had upset her digestive system. I went to the vet, and luckily, she was fine. But still, it was shocking that she would do that.

Moral of the story: Watch out for what your dog does when going on a walk. Not everything that makes them happy is good for them. Always keep an eye out, even for things that seem harmless.

Our homes are meant to be a safe haven for our pets. But many everyday items can be a risk, recognizing these hazards is key to keeping pets safe.

There are a lot of foods that are toxic to dogs, for example: Chocolate, grapes, onions and garlic can harm or even kill pets. Store them somewhere your pet can’t reach them. Also cleaning products like bleach, disinfectants and detergent pods can cause severe harm. Keep them out of reach and clean the surfaces well. What people just leave around the house without thinking twice is medication like pain relievers and certain vitamins can be deadly. Like the other items, don’t leave them in reach and store them securely.

Also other stuff such as batteries and coins can cause choking or blockages. So keep an eye out for small objects around the house or supervise your pet when they are near small items. Some pets also chew on electrical cords, so use cord protectors and give them a safe chew toy. They will love that.

Something that you might overlook are plants. Some plants can be poisonous to animals. Such as lilies and tulips. Lily poisoning was the number one exposure call to Pet Poison Helpline. Make sure you don’t have any poisonous plants that your animal can reach.

By securing all the dangerous items, you won’t have to worry about your pet accidentally eating something harmful. That way, your pet and you don’t have to worry about anything when going to sleep.

References:
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). (n.d.). Animal poison control. Retrieved December 20, 2024, from https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Humane Society of the United States. (n.d.). Pet safety tips. Retrieved December 20, 2024, from https://www.humanesociety.org/pet-safety-tips

VCA Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). Household hazards: Toxic hazards for cats. Retrieved December 20, 2024, from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/household-hazards-toxic-hazards-for-cats

When something happens, the safety of your family is a priority, and that includes your pet. Whether it’s an accident or an unexpected emergency, having a pet emergency kit can make all the difference. It ensures your companion remains safe and comfortable during times of crisis.

A pet emergency kit is designed to provide everything your pet might need in an emergency. From food and water to medical supplies. It’s also essential to include items such as a leach, medication and a first aid kit for pets. If your pet has special needs, like allergies, having a backup supply of medication is important. Also including his or her favourite toy won’t hurt.

It will also reduce stress during an already stressful time. If you need to evacuate or seek shelter, you will know that you have everything your pet might need. This will allow you to remain calm and act accordingly.

In short, being prepared is key for both you and your pets. By making a pet specific emergency kit, you can ensure that you are ready for anything that might happen to your pet. It will keep them safe and also save you time and a stressful situation.

Sources:
American Red Cross. (n.d.). Pet disaster preparedness. Retrieved December 20, 2024, from https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/pet-disaster-preparedness.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Be prepared to protect your pet in an emergency. Retrieved December 20, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/natural-disasters/psa-toolkit/be-prepared-to-protect-your-pet-in-an-emergency.html
The Humane Society of the United States. (n.d.). Pet disaster preparedness. Retrieved December 20, 2024, from https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/pet-disaster-preparedness