fbpx

Holiday Safety Tips for Pets 2022

Memorial Day Weekend has passed and we’re welcoming in 4th of July weekend! Memorial Day Weekend AAA is anticipated 39.2 million people to hit the road. Air travel was expected to see an increase of 25%, up from 2021. The 4th of July weekends is projected to be one of the busiest travel weekends in years. According to AAA, 3.5 million people are expected to take the air and gas is expected to cap out at $5.01.

Whether you’re planning to take on the open road or soar in the sky, make sure you plan to keep your pets safe this holiday weekend. We’ve got 7 safety tips to keep you and your pet safe, happy, and healthy.

 

Check Firework Dates

Fireworks are quintessential summer activities but for pets it can be a night filled with horrors and frights. Pets can’t really grasp the awe and wonder of a firework. All they know is that they’re loud, sudden, and seemingly never ending. Being mindful of firework dates can help you prepare your pet for an evening of terror. If your pet is scared of fireworks, make sure you keep them secure in the house before dark sets. Scared pets have a tendency to run and hide and they will run as far as necessary to feel safe. You can also try holistic medicines like CBD to help alleviate some of the stress. Finally, staying in with them and keeping them close can really make them feel better and more comfortable during fireworks shows.

Keep Pets Hydrated

Did you know that both cats and dogs are 80% water? Keeping pets hydrated is essential during the hot summer months and it’s not always as easy as you think. Pets have an extremely sensitive sense of smell. Meaning, they can smell germs and bacteria that the human senses simply cannot pick up. A pet may be able to smell left over cleaning product residue as well which can adversely impact their desire to drink water. To keep your pet properly hydrate you’ll need to make sure they are drinking 1oz for every pound they weigh. For example, if a pet weighs 20 pounds they will need 20oz of water a day. With Kinn Kleanbowl, pets always have a 100% germ-free and bacteria-free bowl. The Nourish-Pet Refill is made from sugarcane byproduct that occurs naturally during the sugar cane manufacturing process. Because the Refill is made from natural fibers, it is safe for pets and the environment. Shop Kinn Kleanbowl Nourish-Pet Refills online at www.kinninc.com

Avoid Outdoors During High-Temp Hours

We all love the mid-day walk but during the hot summer months, walking your pet during the high heat of the day can be seriously damaging to their health. Hot sidewalks and blacktop can burn their paws and cause irritation. The hot sun blasting down on them can cause heat exhaustion and over-exertion. Pets may become distressed which can cause strain on their heart and organs. High heat temps also causes dehydration and if pets are reluctant to drink water (for many reasons) this may compound other health factors occurring at the same time.

Keep Gates Around Water

Laying out by the pool during the summer is one of the best ways to unwind. However, open water can be dangerous even for pets who know how to swim. Keeping a gate around your pool or keeping pets away from open water can keep pets safe during the summer. If you’re more of a lake family, make sure that you can keep your pet separated from the water while you swim or float. Pets should also wear flotation devices to help prevent drowning.

Keep Human Food Away from Pets

Summertime is ripe for ribs, barbecue chicken, and many other tasty foods pets seem to love. However, burgers, hot dogs, and ribs or chicken all can contain things that are harmful for pets. Bones, onions, garlic, and nitrates are terrible for pets as they present choking hazards and can cause adverse reactions to their organs. Not sure which foods are safe and unsafe for cats and dogs? Check out this blog post on Holiday Pet Food Safety.

Never Leave Pets Unattended in Cars

This one should be a no brainer but you’d be surprised at how many people think it’s ok to leave their pet in the car even for just a few moments. Every year hundreds of pets die from being left unattended in vehicles. In just 10 minutes, the temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees. This means that short trip into the store could put your pet at risk for heat exhaustion. In fact, even if you intend to do a short trip into the store, there are so many variables and factors that can unnecessarily extend your trip. The best thing is to just leave your pet at home if you cannot safely bring them in with you for your errands.

Use Pet Seatbelts

According to a survey by the American Automobile Association, over 80% of dog owners drive with their pets in the car. Of that 80%, only 16% of people are putting their pets into the proper restraints while driving. Pets are often distracting and can bounce around while your vehicle is moving. It does not matter how slow you are going either. Check out these stats from Pet Pro Supply Co:

  • If a car crashes at a speed of just 25mph, an unrestrained dog can be projected forward at a force equal to 40 times its weight. A large-size dog weighing 75 lbs., for example, can achieve an impact force of 3,000 pounds in a car crash, which could be a lethal blow for both a passenger and the pet. (Allianz website – Keeping pets safe in the car)
  • Even for smaller pets traveling at just 30 miles per hour, an unrestrained 10-lbs dog will exert 300 pounds of pressure in an accident, according to Jennifer Huebner-Davidson, traffic safety programs manager for AAA. Without a crash tested safety restraint, that pint-size pooch can injure passengers and become severely injured on impact. (CNN – Rethink your dog roaming freely)

 

This summer, play it safe and keep your pets hydrated, restrained, and away from harm. Accidents can happen in a matter of seconds and can cause injury and trauma to both your and your pet. Let’s have a happy, healthy, and safe summer 2022