Keeping your Pets Safe

Pets are part of the family and keeping them happy and safe is every pet owner’s goal. While many pets use their animal instincts to stay out of harm’s way, there are people and other animals who may be too much for them to handle. Even certain foods and household items can pose a threat to your furry friends.

Stolen Pets

Los Angeles non profit Last Chance for Animals estimates that over two million pets are stolen each year. You may think letting your dog out the front door to quickly do its business is quick and safe. But many pet owners have learned the hard way what can happen. One woman found food on her sidewalk when her dog disappeared after just a couple of minutes outside. She was sure someone had used the food to lure the dog and grab it.

Some of these thieves may just be after the pet for themself. A woman moved into a new apartment complex and noticed quickly that her Persian cat, who was primarily an outdoor cat, was missing. She went looking around the complex, and saw the cat sitting inside looking out the window at a neighbor’s apartment.  A knock on the door and some stern words got her pet returned to her.

Ill Intent

Unfortunately, some pet nappers have much more evil intent.  They may go after pure bred dogs or cats to sell them for hundreds or thousands of dollars. In addition, animals that have not been fixed may be stolen and sold to puppy mills or other disreputable breeders to be bred.  Some people steal them to claim the reward they expect to be posted by the owner.

And even worse, some animals are stolen to be used as bait in dog fighting rings.  No one wants to even imagine a beloved pet suffering in such a way.

Wild Kingdom

Other animals are another potential threat to your pets. While coyotes will typically stay away from residential areas, if they get hungry enough they may come searching for food. Cats and even small dogs can be targeted by hungry coyotes.

Surprisingly, raccoons and skunks may also come in contact with your pets. While both are not typically aggressive, racoons will fight if provoked and can do a lot of damage to their opponent. Similarly, skunks will spray if they feel threatened and have been known to spray in a dog’s face or eyes.

Owls and hawks or other predatory birds have also been known to swoop in and snatch away rabbits, cats or even small dogs.  Although rare in non-rural areas, snake bites are still a risk for dogs that hunt or go camping or to the country with their owners. Animal clinic statistics report more than 150,000 emergency treatments to dogs and cats for snakebites annually.

Toxic Items

A number of foods can be very dangerous for both dogs and cats. Chocolate, grapes, onions and garlic are all very bad for pets if consumed. The image of cats with a saucer of milk is cute but not very realistic as many cats are lactose intolerant and cheese or milk can make them very sick.

Anti-freeze, detergent and other household items may intrigue your pets with their sweet smell or bright color. Consuming even a small amount of these chemicals can be deadly to your pets.

Keeping them Safe

With all those dangers out there, it is important to do all you can to keep your pets safe. Follow these tips to protect them.

• The safest place for pets is inside. Obviously they have to go out to go to the bathroom or on walks. Always keep them in an enclosed area (and check for holes or unlatched gates) or on a leash.
• Have your dogs and cats chipped. If they go missing, any vet can scan for the chip and find you. If they are stolen, the chip can be used to identify them and prove they belong to you.
• Collar and tags. Be sure your pet has a collar and tags with your contact information on it.
• Feed your pets indoors so other animals aren’t attracted to your yard to get the pet food.
• Be sure to have a trash can with a lid that can’t be easily opened by a nosy pet. This will prevent them from getting table scraps or foods that might make them sick. Also, make sure children know what foods are dangerous to pets. That way, they won’t feed them something that could hurt them.
• Don’t give away a pet. If you need to re-home your pet, don’t offer it up free to a good home. Dog fighting people and others with ill intent may pretend to want a new pet but have evil plans for them. Always go through a rescue group or no-kill shelter or find a new home through friends or family.
• Require proof. If you find a lost pet, make sure the “owner” can prove the pet belongs to them and that they aren’t trying to get the animal for something bad.
• Get your pets spayed or neutered. A fixed pet will not be stolen with the intent to sell to breeders.

Secure your Home

Video cameras and locked gates are a good deterrent to thieves who may be after your pets.  Cameras also allow you to see your pets and if they do go missing you can pull up footage to see what might have happened. We can help.  Call Cultris Security Systems at 281-506-8466 or visit us online for help securing your home.