Pet Safety 101: Keeping Your Pet Safe & Secure

Pet safety is of paramount importance to every responsible pet owner. Our beloved furry friends rely on us to provide a safe and secure environment, whether it’s within the confines of our home, during outdoor adventures, or even when travelling together. From pet-proofing your home to purchasing an interactive pet camera and preparing for emergencies, you’ll have all the knowledge and know-how you need to keep you and your furry friends safe and sound.

We’ll be going over some practical tips and tricks of all kinds to help pet parents keep a watchful eye on their beloved animal companions and help create a secure environment for them. Whether you need to travel with your dog or cat, make sure their outdoor adventures are safe or just keep them safe and secure indoors, we’ve got plenty of ways to help. From pet cameras to treat dispensers and collars with GPS tracking, there are endless ways you can keep an eye on your furry friend. And don’t forget that regular vet visits and some pet insurance can go a long way in keeping them happy and healthy too. 

Creating a Pet-Safe Home

Organise & secure household items

Make sure you keep household items such as bleach or other harsh chemicals out of your pet’s reach. Cleaning supplies, medications and even things like chocolate can be toxic and harmful to your furry friends, so keep trash cans covered and out of reach. 

Install pet safety gates

Install pet safety gates in areas you want to restrict your pet’s access to, such as staircases, specific rooms or even outside spaces. This prevents them from wandering into potentially dangerous areas.

Ensure proper weed & feed pet safety

Be cautious with the use of pesticides and fertilisers in your garden, as they can be toxic to pets. Opt for pet-safe alternatives or keep your pet away from treated areas until it’s safe for them to roam again. If you’re going to be away for a while, you can also purchase a remotely controlled treat dispenser if you need to. These can be great for getting your pet’s attention and sometimes double as a pet camera. 

Install pet-proof fly screens

Ensure that fly screens and window screens are securely in place to prevent your pet from escaping or falling from heights. These can be particularly helpful for an older cat or pets that like to get themselves into trouble sometimes. 

Include a security door with pet door

Pet parents may want to install a security door with a built-in pet door to allow your pet easy access to the yard while keeping unwanted intruders out. These doors often come with extra features such as a special collar that allows your pet to go in and out while also giving you real-time notifications so you can track their usage. 

Set up a pet security camera

A pet security camera is one of the best ways for you to keep an eye on your pet when you’re not home. Most pet cameras come with sound and motion alerts, night vision, two-way audio and even real-time notifications so you can keep an eye on your dog or cat while you’re away. They usually connect to your mobile phone and come with a whole range of features that can even let you talk to your pet and help reduce some of their separation anxiety while you’re away for long periods. 

Keeping Your Pet Safe on Outdoor Adventures

Use leashes and harnesses

Keep your pet on a leash and harness when going for walks or hikes. This prevents them from running off or getting into unsafe situations.

Keep up to date with vaccinations and preventative medications

Ensure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and receives preventative medications, such as flea and tick treatments, to protect them from common outdoor hazards.

Interact safely with other pets and people

Supervise your pet’s interactions with other pets and people to prevent aggressive behaviour or potential accidents. Ensure your pet is socialised and responds well to different environments.

Travelling Safely with Your Pet

Secure a pet carrier

When travelling by car, secure your pet in a well-ventilated pet carrier or crate to prevent injury during sudden stops or accidents. A pet carrier is normally best left either in the boot of your car or on the floor to make sure they don’t get jostled around too much. Make sure they have enough room in the carrier to make themselves comfortable, without getting thrown around. Talk to them and give them treats if they seem particularly stressed out. These are more often than not the best way for anyone to transport their cat and they can be helpful for a smaller-sized dog if you need to keep them still. 

Secure a pet harness

For pets travelling in the car, using a pet harness and a seatbelt attachment keeps them safely restrained. A bigger animal like a dog is much better off with a harness than anything else. These wrap around the chest of your pet instead of attaching to their collar, making it much safer for them when making sudden stops. This way, they won’t choke if they suddenly lurch forwards. 

Buy a GPS collar

In the unfortunate event that your beloved dog or cat makes a daring escape, you can always buy a GPS pet collar for them. These often come with features that connect to your phone and make it a lot easier for you to track down your pets. Perfect for helping you catch them again and keeping them safe, these collars are a good idea when on the road. Just in case. 

Staying Prepared

Create a pet emergency kit

Assemble a pet emergency kit that includes essential supplies, such as first aid items, medication, food, water, and comfort items.

• Keep a supply of pet medication essentials such as things your vet has prescribed and some extra, super yummy treats to help keep them calm if you need to.
• Make sure you bring along any important documents like vaccine records, ID papers, emergency contacts and the location of your nearest vet or animal hospital.
• Sometimes all you need is a blanket or towel to help you wrap them up on your way to the clinic. 

Know what to do in case of emergencies

• Educate yourself on basic first aid for pets and know what to do in case of common emergencies, such as choking, heatstroke or how to safely remove a tick.
• Learn to recognise signs of distress or illness in your pet, and be attentive to changes in their behaviour or health.
• Make sure you have pet insurance to help reduce the costs of vet bills. 

Nurturing a Lifetime of Safety & Security

Prioritising pet safety is a fundamental responsibility for every pet owner. By pet-proofing your home, practising safe outdoor adventures, travelling thoughtfully, and staying prepared for emergencies, you can create a secure and loving environment for your beloved companion. Remember that a safe and secure pet leads to a happy and healthy pet, fostering a bond of trust and joy that will last a lifetime.