Pet Fire Safety Tips

National Pet Fire Safety Day is July 15th. Did you know that pets can start up to 1000 fires every year? We of course hope none of you ever have to deal with a house fire. However, this is definitely one area where an ounce of prevention is worth several pounds of cure. Read on for some great pet fire safety tips from a local Anderson, IN vet. 

Candles

Candles and pets are a very dangerous combination! If you burn candles, make sure they are in thick candle holders, and are well out of paws’ reach. You don’t want Fluffy sticking her tail in one, or Fido knocking into it. Wall sconces are a good option.

Gas Ovens

If you have a gas oven and a large dog, you may want to get childproof burner knobs. Fido may accidentally bump into them, and turn the gas on. Needless to say, that could be very dangerous!

Bowls

Do you keep water bowls outside for your furry friend? That’s great, but don’t put glass bowls on a wooden deck. Because of the way glass focuses and redirects sunlight, this can actually start fires. 

Window Stickers

It’s definitely a good idea to get fire stickers for your windows. You’ll want to note how many pets you have, what they are, and where they may be hiding. This will only take a minute, but could save your beloved pet’s life in a fire. Firefighters often try to save pets. However, it’s crucial for them to have this sort of information. 

Monitored Fire Alarms

You may want to consider getting a monitored fire and security alarm. If a fire starts while you’re out, the fire department will still be alerted. The peace of mind that offers is well worth the cost!

Planning

It’s a good idea to just have emergency plans for your family, including escape routes. Include your furry pal in these plans! We also recommend having a travel bag ready for your pet. This should include things like bedding, dishes, toys, treats, leashes, paperwork, food, waste baggies, and, in Fluffy’s case, a litterbox and litter. Keep this bag in a place where it’s easy to grab if you have to leave quickly, or even in your car. 

Please contact us, your local Anderson, IN vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!