National Animal Safety Month: Ensuring Protection and Wellness for Your Pets in October

October is National Animal Safety Month—a time to prioritize the safety, health, and well-being of our pets. Whether you’re a pet owner, retailer, or animal lover, it’s a perfect reminder to take steps that ensure our furry friends stay protected.

Statistics show that 1 in 3 pets will get lost at some point, highlighting the importance of preventive measures and proper identification.

What is National Animal Safety Month?

National Animal Safety Month, observed every October, focuses on raising awareness and educating pet owners about keeping pets safe. It involves:

• Raising Awareness: Informing about common hazards.
• Promoting Preventive Care: Encouraging regular vet check-ups and grooming.
• Emergency Preparedness: Preparing for natural disasters or accidents.
• Responsible Pet Ownership: Ensuring proper ID tags, leashes, and safety measures.

Why Animal Safety Matters

Animal safety is essential for protecting pets from accidents, injuries, or getting lost. An estimated 90,000 pets are injured in car accidents each year, and over 232,000 cases of pet poisoning were reported by the ASPCA in 2021. These statistics underscore the importance of keeping pets secure and identifiable.

Benefits of Pet Safety:

• Peace of Mind: Knowing your pet is protected
• Preventive Care: Regular health check-ups reduce serious health risks
• Strengthened Bond: Pets thrive in safe environments

Common Animal Safety Risks and How to Prevent Them

Ensuring your pet’s safety means being aware of the various risks they face daily. By understanding potential dangers, you can take proactive steps to create a safer environment for your furry friend.

At Home Safety Risks

• Poisonous Plants and Foods: Common household plants like lilies, poinsettias, and philodendrons can be toxic to pets. Foods such as chocolate, grapes, onions, and avocados are also dangerous. Always keep these items out of reach.
• Electrical Cords & Small Objects: Pets, especially puppies and kittens, tend to chew on things. Keep electrical cords, small toys, and other objects that could be swallowed or cause choking out of their reach.
• Proper Storage: Ensure medications, cleaning products, and chemicals are stored in pet-proof cabinets. Each year, thousands of pets are accidentally poisoned by ingesting these substances.

Prevention Tips:

• Pet-proof your home by regularly checking for hazards.
• Keep toxic foods and plants in areas that pets can’t access.
• Invest in pet-safe storage solutions to prevent accidents.

Outdoor Safety Risks

• Seasonal Dangers: Changes in weather can pose risks. In colder months, antifreeze leaks can be toxic if ingested, and in warmer months, heatstroke is a concern. Always monitor the weather and take precautions.
• Traffic Safety: More than 80% of pet owners travel with their pets, but only 16% secure them. This puts pets at risk of injury if an accident occurs.
• Off-Leash Dangers: Allowing pets to roam off-leash can lead to accidents, encounters with other animals, or even getting lost.

Prevention Tips:

• Use pet-friendly ice melts during winter and keep antifreeze securely stored.
• Always use a leash and harness when walking your dog.
• Invest in a well-fitted collar with an ID tag from MyFamily Canada for quick identification if your pet gets lost.

Travel Safety

• Car Safety: Approximately 100,000 dogs die from riding in truck beds annually. This statistic emphasizes the importance of keeping pets properly secured in vehicles.
• Travel Identification: Always ensure your pet has up-to-date ID tags, and consider microchipping for added security.
• Airline Safety Tips: Use an airline-approved pet carrier, and ensure your pet is comfortable with it before the trip.

Prevention Tips:

• Secure pets with pet seat belts, crates, or carriers while travelling.
• Ensure your pet wears an ID tag with your contact information.

Emergency Preparedness

• Natural Disasters: Have an emergency plan that includes your pet. According to FEMA, 68% of pet owners don't have a disaster plan, which puts pets at risk during emergencies.
• First Aid Tips: Knowing basic pet first aid can be lifesaving. For example, if a dog is choking, you should carefully open their mouth and remove the obstruction if visible.

Prevention Tips:

• Create a pet emergency kit with essentials such as food, water, medications, a first-aid kit, and copies of medical records.
• Regularly update your pet's ID tags with current contact information.