Four Little-Known Dog-Safety Tips

Pets & Animals Blog

If you own a dog, they are most likely like your child. You care for them and love them and always want to be sure that they are well protected from health problems. This is why it's important to know some of the little-known safety risks that dogs come in contact with almost every day in all parts of the country. When you know some of these risks, you can be sure that you are always taking proper safety precautions to keep your dog safe. Here are four little-known safety tips to consider.

1. Watch Out for Bufo Toads:  Bufo toads are mostly found in the South of the United States and they are extremely dangerous for your dog to come into contact with, especially smaller dogs. This is because Bufo toads are poisonous and will cause your dog to foam at the mouth, have seizures, and possibly die within a few hours if they are not taken to the vet right away. These toads have large parotoid glands and can be gray or black in color. If you live in the South, your vet should have a display model of what these toads look like. This way you can hire an exterminator to get rid of any that you may have recently seen in your yard. 
2. Buckle Up, Even Your Dog: Most people will just have their dog hop into their vehicle. The problem with this is that if you are in an accident, your dog is much more likely to suffer from injuries or even die if they are not strapped in. Luckily, dog owners can purchase specialized seatbelts for their dogs that will ensure better protection and possibly save you from a tragic situation. It can also save you a ton in vet bills if your dog were to be seriously injured in a car crash. 
3. Have Your Dog Wear a Life Vest: If you are going to be taking your dog out on the water, it's important that they wear a life vest, even if they know how to swim. This is because you never know how your dog will react in a new environment, and there is a chance that your dog can be caught off guard should they accidentally slip into the water. A life vest can definitely save their life. 
4. Close the Dog Door When You're Away: When you are away for the day and when you go to sleep at night, you should lock up the dog door. Be sure that before you do this, your dog uses the bathroom so that they are less likely to have an accident in the house. The reason this is important is because if you have a dog of an expensive breed, potential dog thieves will be looking for a dog door they can use to steal your dog to use for breeding purposes. 

When you know these four little-known safety tips, you can be sure that you are keeping your dog as safe as possible. For more information, consult an animal-health professional, such as one at Cats Only Veterinary Hospital.

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22 September 2016