3 Simple Pet Safety Tips to Follow

Pet safety is a critical concern for all pet parents. We want to know that our pets are safe and sound—even when we aren’t around. While you’ve no doubt already implemented a range of measures to enhance their safety, there’s always room for more. After all, there’s no greater peace of mind than knowing your pet is problem-free!

To put you on the right track, we’ve highlighted 3 easy-to-follow pet safety tips. We’ve specifically chosen to share tips that require minimal time, effort, and expense, but will make a substantial difference. As you’ll discover, pet safety needs to be at the top of your mind at all times, including when they’re at home, in the car, or out for a swim.

Start Using a Backup Camera

If you drive, there’s one safety tip that you should implement to ensure the safety of your pet: start using a backup camera. A well-designed backup camera allows you to see clearly what’s behind you as you reverse your car. They are easy to install and get the hang of using, so you can practically start using them straight away. 

So why are they worth using? While you may be a skilled reverse parker or know how to navigate your driveway like the back of your hand, it’s impossible to have an unobstructed view of your car’s rear without this handy advice.

Consequently, if your beloved pet decides to greet you in your driveway and you aren’t using a backup camera, a serious accident or worse could ensue. With most high-quality backup cameras priced around the $150 range—and budget options as low as $38—price won’t be a barrier to getting one. What’s more, using one will help you park safely each and every time wherever you are and prevent accidents even when you’re not with your dog.

Make Sure They’re Secure When Traveling in the Car

Speaking of car safety, it’s also vital to protect your pet when you’re in the car together. You will need to secure them in some way in order to prevent them from getting injured. Securing your pet will also prevent them from distracting you or your family mid-drive. It’s generally recommended that smaller animals such as birds, rabbits, and guinea pigs travel in a travel carrier. Look for travel carriers that are appropriately sized for your animal and balance safety and comfort. 

Larger animals like cats and dogs can also travel in a travel carrier. That being said, it is usually more comfortable and secure to use a harness designed for traveling. For example, Pet Life’s dog safety harness for travel comes with a leash that clips into the inside of any front or back car seat. It is designed to securely fasten your dog in your car so you don’t need to worry about their safety or that of your family as you drive. What’s more, it offers your dog with a far more pleasant car ride than being cooped up in a travel carrier.

Don’t Forget About Water Safety

Our final tip is focused on dogs and water safety. Needless to say, it’s no secret that dogs have a strong affinity with water. Whether a dip in your pool or a swim in the ocean, they absolutely go crazy for any opportunity to have some h20 fun. But just because dogs enjoy swimming and are generally good swimmers, doesn’t mean you should be lax when it comes to water safety. 

It’s an unfortunate reality that every year, some dogs still lose their lives to drowning. As PetMD points out, “They may panic in a strong current or become exhausted if trapped in water, particularly dogs in swimming pools, ice holes or rough seas.” They recommend treating dogs like children when they’re out for a swim. In short, “Allow them to play, but under close supervision.” If you are heading out for a swim in rougher weather or water conditions or simply want to err on the side of caution, it’s recommended that make your dog wear a dog life vest.

Author Bio

Emma is a freelance writer at Pet Life Today, specializing in writing about pets, outdoor pursuits, and family living. Emma is from the UK, and has lived in Costa Rica and New Zealand before moving to a smallholding in Spain with her husband, their two-year-old daughter, and 14 animals. This includes dogs, cats, horses, and poultry. She enjoys trail riding in the mountains near their home, riding her horse Trifle (who was a wedding present!) and taking along her two dogs Ronnie and Blue, who love adventures. Her other dogs, Rosie and Max, can usually be found having a snooze at home.

Emma is passionate about rescuing animals and providing them with a new life after being abandoned or abused. As well as their own four rescue dogs, Emma also fosters dogs for rehoming, providing them with love and training while searching for their forever homes.