Dog Safety & Prevention Month!

What is National Animal Safety & Prevention Month?

National Animal Safety and Prevention Month was created by the Pediatric Advanced Life Support Foundation. National Animal Safety and Prevention Month reminds us of the responsibility that comes with owning a pet. Not only does National Animal Safety and Prevention Month raise awareness it also provides us with tips to help us be more prepared for our pets. This is the perfect time to learn about safety measures you should take to ensure they’re happy, healthy and safe.

Things to watch out for this Autumn:

• Harvest mites are tiny red mites that appear towards the end of the summer into the autumn. They can be picked up when on a walk, appearing on your dog’s coat, in-between toes, ear folds and toes. Mites can be extremely irritable to your furry friend, causing your dog to scratch and cause extra trauma to their skin.
  
• Fallen fruit such as apples, plums and sloes will start to ferment on the ground, producing a natural alcoholic substance. If ingested in larger quantities this can cause vomiting and diarrhoea or a toxic reaction to furry friend.
  
• Slugs and snails can pass on germs to your pet. Keep your four-legged friend away from these creatures. Providing regular worming treatment will help you to keep your dog safe. Speak to your vet about suitable worming treatment for your pet.
  
• Conkers, acorns and mushrooms can be toxic to dogs. Mushrooms can cause an upset stomach and even blocking their airways if swallowed accidentally. Acorns contain tannins which are toxic to dogs so, it is important to keep your four-legged friend away from these Autumnal nasties.
  
• Anti-freeze can be toxic to your pet, so keep them away from any spillages and store it out of paws reach at home as it can smell and taste sweet to dogs, it is something they can be attracted to. If consumed it can be fatal causing irreparable damage to the kidneys.
  
• Seasonal canine illness is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that affects dogs in autumn time. There is no known cause, its signs or symptoms might be confused with gastroenteritis, but it’s much more serious than an upset tummy.

Remember: If your four-legged friend comes across any of these autumnal nasties whilst out on a walk, get in touch with your local vet immediately.

Colder weather:

During colder temperatures, it is crucial to keep your pet warm and dry. Dogs have different sensitivities to the cold, which depend on their breed and type of coat. While dog coats are not merely a fashion statement, they can also be stylish. Our collection of dog coats are designed to keep your furry companion warm, safe, and dry. We offer a variety of dog coats, from waterproof to reflective, you can easily find the ideal coat that suits your dog.

As older dogs are more susceptible to the cold, colder weather can be especially harsh on their joints, particularly if they have arthritis. During these seasons, it’s important to take additional measures to alleviate their pain. Consider joint supplements, and protective walking attire like coats, or paw protection for wet and cold conditions. This also helps protect your pet from abrasive surfaces, salt or snowmelt chemicals during the colder months.

Fleas also pose a challenge during the colder months. As we turn up the heat indoors, fleas can thrive in these warmer conditions. To keep fleas at bay, preventative treatments must be administered year-round. Wash your pet’s bed regularly and use only veterinary-prescribed treatments, available from your vet or in-store.

Darker evenings:

As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, it’s important to keep in mind the safety of our furry companions. If you’re taking your dog out for a stroll in the dark, it’s crucial to make sure that both of you are visible to others. A practical solution to this is to use LED collars, leads, and harnesses to help illuminate your pet’s path. Ensure your dog has a collar with an ID tag, with up-to-date contact details and information, in case your furry friend gets lost in the dark. Make sure your dog is also microchipped – this is a legal requirement for dogs from the age of 8 weeks old and will increase the chances of your dog being returned home to you in case they get lost.

 Our website offers a diverse selection of reflective products that can help keep your pet safe and visible during nighttime walks. Check out our top dog safety petplace essentials below…

Here are some of our top Autumn dog safety picks & essentials: 

• Rogz control harness
• Rogz multi-lead
• Rogz classic collar
• Rogz roglite
• Twiggy Tags Trailfinder Dog Safety Light
• Splash Guards Dog Coat