Pet Safety TipsThe world can be dangerous for pets. There are many foods, plants and chemicals that can endanger them.Keep household items such as mothballs and potpourri oil, coffee grounds, and homemade playdough out of the reach of pets. These products can be toxic to pets if they are consumed.Keep Your Pets IndoorsIt is crucial to keep your pet on leash. However you should never leave them alone. A cat or dog left to themselves can easily get into trouble and may be injured, ingest poisonous or cause damage to your property.Pets can also be harmed from outdoor hazards, like stagnant water and swimming pools which could contain bacteria or parasites. Unscreened windows and doors pose a danger to pets who can escape from them or be injured by falling debris.If you're leaving your  pet  on their own, make sure you provide them with food, water and a comfy space. They should have a crate with enough ventilation that lets them stand, lie down and turn around. Secure the crate with the seat belt and harness to prevent them from escaping or being taken.When you go on vacation, it is a good idea also to bring along your pet's emergency first aid kit. It should include the same items as a human's first aid kit such as gauze, medical tape, antiseptic, hydrogen peroxide, and thermometer, in addition to your pet's medical records as well as contact information for local emergency clinics.Holidays can be a hazardous time for your pet, so it is essential to keep them in a safe place and away from the fireworks and loud noises, as well as strangers, and food that people serve at their parties. Pets can get very scared by the sounds and sights of the holidays, and they can escape and get lost. Keep your pets in a crate, or a safe room when you are celebrating and ask your guests to keep an eye on them.Be sure to keep your pet secure during summertime celebrations by keeping them indoors and away from sparkers, hot grills fireworks, glow sticks and Kabob skewers that could cause burns or injury to them. Remember that dogs only have a few sweat glands and can easily overheat. Keep them as much as you can inside and in the shade.It is also a good idea to not feed the scraps of your table to your pets. They can be extremely toxic, and if they ingest them, they can be very sick or die. Also, be aware that some plants and mushrooms are harmful to your pets and should not be eaten.Keep Your Pets on a LeashMany places where you take your pets have laws which require your pet to be on leash. This isn't just to prevent getting a fine however, it is also to ensure the safety of all the animals that live around you. When dogs are allowed to run free, they often encounter deer ticks that can carry Lyme Disease as well as other wildlife that could transmit rabies. These diseases can be deadly and often fatal to humans and pets alike. Dogs who are leash-free are less likely to be exposed to the dangers since they aren't able to get close and personal with wild animals.If you let your dog wander, it can run into other animals or people and be scared. This could be dangerous for your pet, but it could cause fights that can be very dangerous for both dogs. Dogs that are leash-bound are not as likely to fight, as they have you in charge of their movements. They also may be more likely to listen to your commands.Off-leash dogs can destroy your neighbors' plants or gardens, or even attack them in the event that they feel threatened by the other animal. They can also run into the road and be injured or hit by cars by other animals on the trail. Leashes can help keep your pet within sight and can be a great method to show other people and  pets  that your pet is loving and well-behaved.Certain foods can be poisonous to cats and dogs if ingested, so ensuring that you dispose of any food item that could cause harm to them. For instance, a dripping antifreeze puddle could be very dangerous to your pet and must be cleaned up as soon as it occurs. Chocolate and other candy and xylitol, in addition to are toxic to pets.Make sure your pet doesn't get too close to hot surfaces, such as asphalt. This could cause their sensitive pads to burn. You can buy reflective harnesses and leashes to make it easier to observe your pet while you're out walking at night.Keep Your Pets CleanCleanliness helps to prevent zoonotic diseases (those that can be transmitted between animals and humans) from spreading. Also, it keeps your pet healthy, which is good for everyone in the home!It is important to keep your pet's ears clean to keep them free of ear infections which are common in dogs, cats, and rabbits. Keep your pet's ears clear of ear infections to prevent them which are common among both dogs and cats.Keeping your pet's bed clean is equally important. In  pet friendly , it may collect fur and dander, and can become a breeding ground for ticks, fleas bacteria, and mites. Cleaning your bedding at least once a week will keep it fresh, reduces allergens, and helps to prevent parasite infestations.Make sure that food, medication and other items out of reach - Some pets are notorious for raiding the trash or chewing on cords and wires that could cause them harm. Keep these items away from reach to ensure that your pet is unable to access them.Regular veterinary check-ups and regular veterinary care for your pet is crucial to ensure that they're in top shape and that they are all vaccinations up-to-date. Regular visits to the vet can help you detect any health issues early which could save your pet's lives!Cleaning and disinfecting - The main distinction between disinfecting and cleaning is that cleaning physically removes dirt and germs with soap and detergent, while disinfectants kill germs with chemicals. It is recommended to wash every pet's toy bedding, beds, blankets, and other habitats at minimum once a week, and more frequently when they appear dirty or smell unpleasant. It is also important to clean and disinfect anything that comes in contact with urine or poop, such as litter boxes.It is also important to keep water bowls clean, because they can become contaminated with germs and algae that are harmful to humans and pets alike. Drinking water that is contaminated with rodent urine, leptospirosis or blue-green algae can trigger a dangerous infection in pets and humans. By cleaning their water bowls every day, and bringing outdoor water bowls inside at night to prevent contamination, you can protect your pet's and family's health.Keep Your Pets HealthyTo ensure your pet's health you must first provide them with a nutritious diet. Feed your pet a low-fat and high-quality diet, and take them to the vet regularly for routine vaccinations. It is essential to notify your veterinarian about any changes in your pet's behavior or routine as they could indicate that something is wrong.The summer months can be hazardous for pets. Fireworks can be frightening and hurt dogs, so make sure that they are in a safe area to be during fireworks displays like a crate, or a doggie door. If you have to let your pet out, ensure that they're leash-free in a secure yard. Be extra vigilant if your pet has a history of negative reaction to loud noises.It is important to wash up any antifreeze spilled around your vehicle. It is harmful for both dogs and cats. It is crucial to keep your dog or cat safely restrained while in the car. A pet carrier is a great option for cats, and the harness and collar are ideal for dogs.Some foods can be poisonous to animals and cause grave illness or even death when consumed. Some of these include chocolate, yeast dough, coffee beans and grounds macadamia nut shells, macadamia seeds; mushrooms and xylitol sweetener, garlic and onions; and raw or undercooked beef.Be aware that your pets may bite when they feel threatened or fearful. Introduce your pet's presence to guests slowly and gently, letting them smell and see you first, to help them learn that you're not in danger.Winter comes with its own set of dangers. Ingestion of various chemicals in the garden and yard including pesticides, insecticides and fertilizers are harmful to pets. Citronella candles, scented sprays and torches, as well as essential oils could be poisonous if breathed in or ingested by pets. Ice could be harmful to your pet's health should they slip through it or attempt to lick it or chew it.Always inspect your pet's coat for any signs of fleas and ticks, as well as mites. Be sure to use a veterinarian-recommended product to prevent these pests, and to have your pets regularly examined by your veterinarian.