Dog Safety "inside and outside" the Home 

It’s best to be prepared for an accident or emergency before it happens.

Have you ever considered?

Who would take care of your dog if you were hurt and unable to do so?

What would your family do if your dog was hurt?

What will happen to your dog should you have a fatal accident?

A little work in advance will provide your dog with the proper care no matter what happens. 

Basic Dog First Aid Kit

A basic dog first aid kit should include:

  Muzzle          

  Adhesive Tape

  Scissors

  Bottled Water

  Gauze Pads

  Tweezers

  Cotton Batting

  Soap

  Ice Pack

Keep a dog first aid kit in your home and car. Learn how to apply a muzzle before a crisis arises. Hurt dogs, even your own dog, may bite if you try to administer first aid. Also, it is much easier to administer first aid to a well-trained dog that is accustomed to being examined either by a veterinarian or groomer.

Deadly Plants 

These common plants are poisonous. Your dog will need to see a veterinarian immediately if any of these plants or flowers are eaten.  Note: These are only common household plants that are poisonous. Always ask a garden expert if a plant is poisonous when ingested. 

Poisonous Products 

There are many household products that are dangerous to dogs. If your dog ingests harmful chemicals, contact a poison control center or veterinarian immediately.

 To prevent accidents:

  Keep items with warning labels away from your dog.

  Check your cabinet doors. Fix loose doors or doors easily opened by your dog.

  Lock up prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, anti-freeze, bleach, cleaners, polish, wax, detergents, rat poison, and insecticides.

  Teach children that these items are poisonous to themselves and their pets. Household products should not be played with or used on dogs.

Important Information for Parents 

Teach children not to: 

  Tease a dog

  Bother a dog that is sleeping or eating

  Pull on a dog’s fir, tail, or ears 

Parents should not leave young children alone with dogs. Dogs do not understand the squeals or cries of children and could get frightened. Also, smaller, more fragile breeds may be unintentionally hurt by over eager toddlers who think the dogs are toys. 

Outside Your Home 

  Leash your dog. It’s hard to control a distracted or scared dog without a leash.

  Fence your yard, and make sure your gate is closed before your dog goes outside.

  Go outside with your dog if your dog is in the yard. Something dangerous such as glass, nails, or another animal could injure your dog.

  Make sure your dog doesn’t eat food or something else he/she considers a “snack” laying on the ground. It could be poisoned or infected with bacteria.  (See my article on “Coprophagia” in the training section of this book). 

Emergency Information 

To make sure all vital information regarding your dog is easily accessible to others, take a few moments to make an emergency information card. 

The card should include: 

You may also want to include the locations of various dog items such as food and water dishes, biscuits, medications, etc. 

Also, include two or three people who can be contacted in case of emergency. Include the contacts’ name, address, and telephone number. Make sure at least one of the contacts has a set of your house keys. 

Put this card on your refrigerator or another prominent spot in your house. You may also want to keep similar information in your wallet. If you are unable to care for your dog due to an accident or emergency, someone will be able to follow the instructions on the card to provide necessary care.

You may also want your attorney to draft a written statement, which gives immediate custody of your dog to a designated individual. Notify that individual of his or her responsibility and put his or her name, address, and phone number on your emergency information list.