Here are some measures to adopt in and around the house to ensure your pet’s health and safety so you can go on to enjoy a long lasting relationship together
KEEP YOUR DOG COMFORTABLE IN THE HOT WEATHER
For many months of the year in Oman temperatures are too hot for most dogs to cope safely. In order to face such conditions, try the follwoing
Provide your pet with shade when outside and access to airconditioning.
Make sure they have plenty of cool and clean water to drink at all times
Walk your dog very early in the morning.
In this way you will avoid temperatures that become too hot and in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
Never leave your pet in a car with the engine off.
Even with windows slightly down, temperatures soar in vehicles and can be fatal to animals even after a few minutes.
Foods and Household items to avoid for your dog
Keeping your dog safe from household items and people food. Some foods can cause upset stomachs, such as greasy or spicy foods and some could be potentially dangerous, especially if eaten in larger volumes.
A FEW POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS FOODS TO AVOID
- Grapes
- Raisins and currants
- Onions
- Chocolate
- Caffeine and sodas
- Yeast bread dough
- Xylitol (sugar substitute)
OTHER HOUSEHOLD ITEMS TOXIC TO PETS
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- Candles and potpourri
- Household plants, including Desert rose, Azaleas, lilies, Oleander poinsettias and philodendrons to name a few.
- Household cleaning products (Remember – if it is dangerous for people, it is dangerous for pets) and their plastic containers, as well.
- String, yarn and elastic bands
- Decorations and small toys with moving parts
- Even clothing, cushions, soft toys and other materials if eaten can cause a blockage in your pet’s intestines and be life threatening.
SOME OTHER TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE
Get covers for electrical outlets.
Safety locks for cabinets.
Keep electrical cords and power supplies safely out of reach.
Keep dangerous products, like cleaning supplies, building or craft materials or unsafe food in a locked cabinet your pet cannot open or has no access to.
Keep all trash cans securely covered and out of your pets reach.
Avoid leaving potentially hazardous items around your home and garden such as fertilisers and pest sprays.
When you are out for a walk.
Avoid allowing your dog to sniff around garbage bins in case of any poisonous materials that have spilled over, or have been used in the area for pest control.
KEEP YOUR PETS OUT OF TROUBLE
Baby gates limit access to rooms that are not pet safe.
Keep areas clutter free, and doors closed.
Don’t leave expensive shoes and personal items where your pet has access.
Consider using a crate when you cannot watch your pet, or keep them secured in an area they cannot get up to trouble.
Avoid leaving potentially hazardous items around your home and garden such as fertilisers and pest sprays.
When you are out for a walk.
Avoid allowing your dog to sniff around garbage bins in case of any poisonous materials that have spilled over, or have been used in the area for pest control.
MAKE SURE YOUR PET HAS PLENTY TO DO
Exercise keeps your pet happy and healthy both mentally and physically.
A dog that is satisfied with enough stimulation is less likely to get bored and get into trouble.
Give your pet a safe toy to play with.
Use a toy like a Kong stuffed with their favourite food. I like to freeze the stuffed Kong and give to my dogs, giving hours of entertainment. Food puzzles also keep pets busy.