Posts Tagged: Pet Safety

Summer is here, at last! Hot, sunny days mean trips to the water, long, lazy walks, and outside volleyball games. Your pets want to go where you go (except for cats who might want to stay put). Your pets need to stay hydrated so, should you bring your pets with you for summertime excursions?

Got a dog or cat who enjoys wearing a witch’s costume and trick or treating as much as the kids? Halloween can be fun for the whole family, including our costume-clad pets, and your friends at Bowman Veterinary Hospital want your pets to have an enjoyable — and safe — Halloween. Make Halloween pet safety a priority, and follow these tips for serving up safe and howling-good pet treats.

It is, paws down, safer to keep your cat indoors than allow them to roam the neighborhood, cross streets, and come into contact with other animals. In fact, a strictly indoor cat tends to have a longer lifespan than an indoor-outdoor cat because of the decreased risk of illness, injury, or death.

Despite the benefits to their safety and health, some indoor-only cats suffer from boredom and depression. A catio can provide exercise opportunities and enrichment activities that will make your indoor cat extra happy.

If you have lived through any natural disaster, you know that every second counts when evacuating or sheltering in place. Each disaster, whether it be a hurricane, tornado, forest fire, or the like, has its own manner of getting to safety. You may even have a disaster plan for your family in place. We have certainly had our share of wildfires this year that have devastated California and the Pacific Coast, as well as the West.

The holiday season is upon us, and the days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s promise to hold many celebrations with family and friends – and, of course, our pets. That’s because a full 70% of American pet owners consider their pets to be family members – making holiday pet safety a must this holiday season.

The holidays can present some very real risk for our pets. From rich holiday foods to seasonal decorations, visitors, parties; it’s important to be aware of how to keep our pets safe this time of year. 

Bowman Veterinary Hospital shares some of our best tips for holiday pet safety, and how to avoid a trip to the animal emergency room this year. 

Your dog’s daily walk is a cornerstone of their routine. Not only does walking provide them with much-needed exercise; but being outside in the fresh air and interacting with the world around them is important for dogs and people alike. 

This simple activity may seem like a no-brainer, but not everyone views dog walking in the same way or has the same goal in mind. By following some basic dog walking etiquette principles, you can maintain good relationships with your neighbors, the environment, and your dog.

In a perfect world, our dogs wouldn’t need to be leashed, rather they would joyfully, and safely, accompany us as we go about our daily tasks. As this is clearly not the case for the vast majority of us, the daily leashed walk has become an important part of dog ownership. 

Retractable leashes may seem like a good choice for an owner who wants to give their dog a sense of freedom, but the risks involved with this type of leash are considerable. 

The star that rises and sets with the sun during the high summer is known as Sirius, or the Dog Star. Forever shining brightly in the constellation Canis Major (Big Dog), Sirius was perceived by ancient people as bringing about the hottest temperatures of the year, giving way to the famous expression “the dog days of summer”.

What this means for your dog is probably more fun and games played outside. Without an approach to their safety and wellbeing, however, they could wind up getting sick or injured this summer. But not on our watch!

This time of year, it seems like everyone is concerned with warding off illness and staying healthy – but we’re not the only ones in need of a little extra TLC. Pets also benefit from our vigilance and protection during these damp, chilly months. With our winter pet safety tips, you can avoid certain seasonal risks and keep your companion happy and healthy throughout the new year.

Smart Decisions

Low temperatures are probably the most common concern for pet owners. A good rule of thumb: if it’s too cold out for you, it’s too cold out for your pet. However, some pets actually enjoy the cooler weather and beg to be let outside; usually, they won’t come back in for extended periods of time. As long as they have access to dry, insulating shelter and plenty of fresh water, they’ll be much better off.

The holidays are upon us, and if you’re decking the halls, we’re sure your pets are right there with you! It’s fun to celebrate the season with our best fur pals, but sometimes the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can leave room for a pet accident or injury, and land us in the emergency clinic – the last thing anyone wants.

So, let’s spend a moment talking about how to have a safe and fun holiday with your pet!