Pet Safety Blog

Dogs love to go for walks in the park or anywhere their pet parent is willing to take them, but if your dog is large and starts to walk you, rather than you walk them, there is a problem.  They can pull very hard and will not allow the ease of taking a stroll together.  There are different types and sizes of pet safety harnesses that are suitable for just about any activity.  A pet safety harness should be used to fasten your dog to the seat belt in your vehicle (some vehicles do not accommodate this feature), and will protect them from getting hurt if the brakes are suddenly applied to avoid having an accident.  If you are a runner and take your dog with you, a pet safety harness is ideal.  It will work as well for your dog, while riding a bicycle.  The pet safety harness is becoming very popular and takes away the stress of trying to calm your dog down while walking.  They want to rule, forgetting you are in control, not them.  It may take a few times for your dog to become use to their harness, but once they do, you both will be happy.

In addition to this type of pet safety harness, a special one is available to support a senior dog that has had surgery of some kind, or is losing their mobility in walking due to arthritis or hip dysplasia.  As dogs become a senior, they will start having pain in their legs, joints, and hips.  If you have had your dog for a long time, you will begin to notice the difference of them trying to get up and down, or start to have a slight limp.  This is the time to take them to your veterinarian and find out what the problem is before it gets too far-gone and nothing can be done to help them.  Trying to walk up and down stairs will become a very big problem, as is with getting in and out of your vehicle, I know from experience.  Special harnesses are available just for that purpose to help them maneuver easier with less pain.  The special harness is designed not to bunch up like a towel and will brace your dog.  Place the harness under their groin (can also be placed under the front legs depending on the problem) and lifting up will support their weight to move a little more freely.   Try not to place the harness under your dog’s mid-section, their abdominal organs are sensitive.  Your dog needs to use their own legs to walk with your support.  Be Happy!

Pets love Valentine’s Day too, and by now, you have already purchased something to bring out the cuteness of your pet to participate in activities available on this day.   Pet parents do many different things with them to celebrate and have fun to designate a celebration, or a holiday with our dogs.  Some pet parents like to dress up their little darlings in a costume representing the occasion on hand.  There are neat accessories for your dog at this star-studded time of the year.  Fancy collars with pint and red hearts and rhinestone collars are appropriate for Valentine’s Day, and you could dress up the dog safety harness with little hearts and tags too.  I am sure most pet parents go overboard in celebrating with their dogs, but why not.  Love, companionship, and fun are what it is all about. 

Several things to remember on Valentine’s Day is to keep chocolate candies out of their reach.  Dogs can smell chocolate a mile away, at least it seems that way when we eat chocolate candy at our house.  Chocolate contains theobromine that is extremely toxic and can be fatal.  Flowers are beautiful and we all love them, but some are toxic as well. Keep a list available of toxic flowers and plants, and this will inform you to which ones to remove.  Bulbs of Tulips, Amaryllis, Chrysanthemums, Azaleas, and English Ivy are very dangerous to your dog.  Be particularly careful if alcohol is available, and make sure there is not a way for them to ingest any alcoholic beverages.  Any amount, especially an over excessive amount to your dog can put them into a coma.  Be sure and put out any candles that you have burned for celebrating.  This is a hazard as well, especially if your dog is over active and loves to run and play.  It is sad to think about what could happen in celebrations if we as pet parents, were not aware of precautions that should be followed.  Be Happy!

If a pet parent has no one to care for their pet while they are away, make sure you research local companies that offer Pet Sitters.  You would want to make sure that the person chosen to care for your dog, will have had a Criminal Records Bureau checked, and is insured before making any decision.  References should be available by the pet sitter for you to contact other clients that have used this service. Professionals may charge more, but in the end, you will have peace of mind in knowing you did the right thing.  Do not wait until the last minute in making a choice because you will want to invite your preference to your home, and introduce your pet to their possible selected pet sitter.  Meeting people in person and having conversations with them toward what their responsibilities would be in caring for your pet, tells a lot about a person’s personality. 

Is your pet friendly toward them and seems happy with their presence, or are they a little scared to be touched, and show signs of rejection.  This is very important in knowing how your dog’s acceptance is toward someone who will be taking your place temporarily.  If you feel comfortable in your decision, then show them around your home and where supplies are, then explain what is expected of them in your absence.  The main thing that must be understood, is not to walk your dog without their pet safety harness.  Your dog may may not feel comfortable and want to get away.  After you have decided on a pet sitter, have them practice in walking your pet.  If you are having problems in finding the right person to do the job, talk to your veterinarian and perhaps they may have a suggestion.  There may be several interviews before deciding whom you choose, but be patient and careful.  You will not be sorry.  Be Happy!

If you are a dog lover and want to pet every dog that comes in your path, this is a happy feeling within that person.  Something about it is soothing, makes you smile, lifts up your heart to a happy and solace feeling.  If you have a dog of your own, you know that their companionship is indescribable and spending time with them offers physical and mental health benefits.  There is a special bond between humans and pet’s that go back a very long way.  All breeds of dogs offer different human interaction and must be taken into consideration which one to choose, especially if you have children.  Most small children have a way with dogs, but some dogs are not comfortable around them.  So research the different types of breeds that would complete your family life.  If your dog is not compatible with your children, then never consider your dog in becoming a therapy dog.

Therapy dogs have been around for quite some time, and trained to visit nursing homes, hospitals, and homes for retired elders.  Therapy dogs arrive with a collar and necessary tags, leash, and some may have a dog safety harness for ease in handling.  Not all dogs are fit for this purpose, so personalities are of upmost importance in considering your dog in becoming a therapy dog.  Therapy dogs are different from service dogs and assistance dogs, and their training is different.  They must be sociable, and friendly, lovable, and accept being petted by persons other than their pet parents.  Patience and a well- trained dog is essential between them and their handler, and must display warmth, affection, and compassion. A therapy dog visiting seniors can take away their loneliness, decrease blood pressure, increase social interaction, decrease heart rate, change moods and mental stimulation, and bring smiles and happiness to some of the patients that were otherwise down and out.  Be Happy!