ANIMAL SAFETY – Home/Vehicle/Anywhere

[SWHouston]

Another vein of Animal Protection and Welfare is keeping our little Furfriends as safe as we can in all instances of Travel, in our Homes, or other places where something bad could happen. Being aware of things is critical, and some threats are quite subtle. I thought that a discussion on this may be useful to us all.

Part of Safety can be a good “Plan”.
Below, I’ve made a list of things which one may need on a Trip
(Loosing Animal/Vehicle Safety/Accommodations)

List of Items in preparation for a Trip (Holiday/Vacation):
Proof of Ownership – Documents, Shot Records, Electronic ID #.
Picture(s) – Recent frontal/profile, maybe with some measurements/weight written on them.
Picture(s) - Ones of you and someone else, and the Dog (ownership history validation)
Reliable Leash’s – short and long, just in case you need to “field” it for a while.
Harness – for security during transport and when on Leashes.
A good sturdy dedicated Collar, with indelible ID/tags – and a latch that’s nearly impossible to open.
Food – something that won’t spoil if left in a variant of temperature.
Bowls – maybe the collapsible type.
Meds – with administrations (spoon/measuring) in their own Zip-Lock bag or container.
Water – container(s) applicable to size of animal(s), a ? Day supply.
Potty Pad – with a small piece of Paper Towel (stored in a Baggy), previously dabbed in it’s Urine.
Crate – maybe for when you’re out to Dinner, and great to store/transport all the above stuff.
Toy(s) – something to help time pass, and make the strange area, seem a little closer to home.
Sleep Pad (seasoned) – can line the Crate, or brought out when confinement isn’t necessary.
Ancillary Items – Brush, Toothbrush/paste, Poop Bags, depends on length of trip.

[MollyAndMaggie]

Something else that I do when we go on a long road trip is to write my name, address and phone as well as another responsible party's (such as my parents) name, address and phone number on an index card taped to their traveling crates. In addition, I advise that should I be in an accident and incapacitated that my dogs be transported to the nearest veterinary hospital and I write on the card that I guarantee payment for any medical services/boarding services until someone can be dispatched to pick them up. I include a signature in the hopes that it will make it more of a "legal" document.

Also, my 2 yorkies travel in the car in their crates and I also run the safety belt through the handle on the crate to keep them from flying around in the car/out of the car in case of an accident both for their protection and the passengers. I ensure that the doors to the crates are pointed inward to mitigate any injury from side door airbags.

When I leave the house (I HATE to leave them!) I pick up all food and any items that they may chew/choke on and leave them in their exercise pen with plenty of water.

We should all remember (I need to do this) to place a sticker or plaque near the door for the firemen to let them know that there are pets inside that may be saved in the event of a fire.

When they go out in public, I have a stroller (they really love their stroller) so that they are protected from people, dogs and from anything they may pick up off of the ground in a strange place. I never let them sniff or get near another dog's fecal matter.

I have a 4 month old puppy and she is only allowed out of the exercise pen when I can keep an eagle eye on her. We do not recline the recliner when she is out. Be really careful of young puppies chewing on any electrical cords. Unplug or stow them away until they get out of the chewing stage.

That is about all of the safety tips that I can think to share right now. Just like with kids, I always try to think ahead of what they could get into.

Looking forward to other tips that y'all use to keep your baby's safe! Thanks!

[SWHouston]

M&M,

Wow, what a great reply !
Things you've mentioned are SO important, and SO easily forgotten when we get in a rush to get going ! I do several of those things as well, but, there's not just one way to do a given thing, depending on the individual and circumstances. If I may point out some alternatives here, and possibly create a discussion on those and other approaches to Safety.

Restraint in a Vehicle:
So many don't use any restraints at all when they take their Dogs in the car, but, personally, I think that Crating is a bit confining. Mine SO enjoy looking out the windows and Barking at first one thing and another (Guys with Weedeaters are a favorite )
The way I do it is, I use a Harness on each, and have dedicated Leash for each, run down through the space between the Seat and it's Back, which is tied off to the Seat Frame. This lets them look out a window, lay, sit and interact with us, but is adjusted where they can not be thrown forward or out a window, if there is a emergency stop...like that. When not in use, the Leash's lay flat and out of the way for passengers. There are special Harness' for Travel, but, I use regular ones, I wonder if anyone uses those Special ones, and why ?

Wire "NO CHEW" Training:
Chewing an Electrical wire could be VERY bad ! And it's one thing we should all address the first day a new dog/puppy arrives. I have made a Training Tool with wire.
a) I cut an old piece of Lamp Cord out of an old appliance.
b) An old piece of Coaxial Cable, and cut the metal ends off.
I lay both these down on the floor, obviously available to the pup, and when it goes near either, we do corrective behavior training then.
I move them around from room to room, and pick them up, where the training can occur at "MY" convenience, rather than happenstance.

Emergency Signage (Pets in the House):
What an important source of information ! But you said you put yours on the back door ! Is there some regulation about that in your community ?
Would seem that on the Front Door (or near), would be more appropriate.

Public Transportation:
HA, I do the very same thing, except I use a Shopping Cart to haul mine around in, or don't take them in to a place which doesn't have any. In my case, it's an issue of Socialization, I have a somewhat different view on that than most. Also, given that my Male thinks that Becca is his puppy, he is very defensive if anyone approaches us.

Don't touch Don't sniff:
You've made such a good point there, even the slightest "nose" touch to another Dog's Fecal Material, can transmit Parasites in an instant ! Issues of exposure to some hazards which may be found in Doggie Parks, and the list of Zoonotic diseases, are fair game for protracted discussion here.

Again M&M I'll say what a great post you offered, and hope that many others will make contributions here, toward the Safety of our Pets.

Have a good Day !
S.W.

[SWHouston]

Dog CPR

I saw a very touching story on TV the other day, where a Dog had a
Heart Attack (I think) during a Group Training Meeting. The Trainer was
shown doing CPR on the animal, who because of his assistance,
recovered.

I retired from a career in Health Care, and I must have be CPR Certified
over Fifty times throughout the years. The most important things I
remember, is "keep it up", and "watch out how aggressive you get".
Needless to say, compression depth and the respiratory pressure you
can develop, can be damaging to certain individuals. Those being,
Older people, children and baby's. This type variation, applies to the
size of Dog, which may require CPR as well.

I've seen several "how too's" and video's of Dog CPR, and given a few
references below. Some say that when you set up for a respiratory
assist, that only one breath is necessary. I've always disagreed with that
on humans and would apply that to a Dog as well. As long as you have
everything set, why not give a couple of breaths. That will only assure
a higher Oxygen Level in the Lungs, and it only takes a half second to
perform. Assuming you are "one on one".

One of the (minor) mistakes one makes, when learning how to do CPR,
is in the repeated respiratory pulses. It's almost normal when doing
a series of two, for one to blow in, then inhale with out separating
and turning his head, which would allow the Co2 from the patient,
to discharge to free air. When turning your head, you then inhale
fresh air, rather than taking in the exhausted breath from the patient.

Here are a few links, which may be of help...
How to Give A Dog CPR | eHow.com
Dog CPR
how to give a dog cpr - Yahoo! Video Search

If you find something that you feel is helpful, please post and link to it.

One final thing, and please don't think I'm bragging, but...
Over the period of years, I must have done CPR on a person, well over
a hundred times. God blessed me, and the situations I think, and I have
never lost anyone. I say this, remembering the feeling experienced
when you hear that first "gasp" for air, of the person responding.
Let me tell you my Friends, it don't get any better than that !

[Judy in Waco]

This is all wonderful advice! Good job!

I do want to add a couple of suggestions. When traveling, we often stop to let our yorkies take breaks. Usually, that is close to a major road or freeway. In the past, I have had leashes and/or harnesses fail when least expected, so here are two suggestions to help if your dog gets loose and seems to be about to run into a road.

-run AWAY from your dog, usually he/she will follow you away from danger. If you run toward him/her it might look like a game and he/she might run from you into a street or other dangerous situation.

-teach the commands "stop", "sit" and "stay"! These are so important and so many people don't teach these. These commands may save your pup's life, so be firm and teach them carefully and consistently.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Thanks for all of this.

[SWHouston]

Hay everyone !!!

I just noticed... this Thread is not limited to Texans.
Anyone can post here !

[Gatord]

Originally Posted by SWHouston

M&M,

Restraint in a Vehicle:
So many don't use any restraints at all when they take their Dogs in the car, but, personally, I think that Crating is a bit confining. Mine SO enjoy looking out the windows and Barking at first one thing and another (Guys with Weedeaters are a favorite )
The way I do it is, I use a Harness on each, and have dedicated Leash for each, run down through the space between the Seat and it's Back, which is tied off to the Seat Frame. This lets them look out a window, lay, sit and interact with us, but is adjusted where they can not be thrown forward or out a window, if there is a emergency stop...like that. When not in use, the Leash's lay flat and out of the way for passengers. There are special Harness' for Travel, but, I use regular ones, I wonder if anyone uses those Special ones, and why ?

I have a doggie car sit for mine. I did not like the moving around in the car thing, wasn't safe for them or me driving.
Car seat is big enough for both. It is aminly like a child booster seat. Top part of seat belt wraps around car seat the lap hooks through the back and the seat and it does not move. It has a ring to hook them to. I purchase a duel thingie (not sure what it is called) some people use it to walk two pets on one leash and they each get clipped to that to their harness. They can sit and look out, but usually they lay down and go to sleep. If I stop they get up and see where they are.

Also doggie proof home when I leave. They have only access to the kitchen and their room.

I have seen the warning signs to put in your windows for the pets in case of fire. ( I don't even like to think of that.) I need to get those.
I also leave two radios on, so they want be in complete silence.

[SWHouston]

Thanks for your contribution Gatord !

Wouldn't happen to have a web link for your Car "thingie" seat,
sounds very safe !

I too have an "area" for mine, when I leave the house. But, that's
only temporary till my little puppy Becca grows up a little more !
I just never liked the idea of Crating, tho many do, just seemed like
they need a little more room than that.
Before Becca arrived, my Male Sneakers had total access to the house
24/7, trained and trustworthy.

I SO hope some of that rubs off on Becca !

Have a good Day !
S.W.

[gemy]

A couple of things to add: Always travel with an emergency kit. There is a thread on here about what should go into that kit.

For safe travelling in crates: remove in particular any choke type of collar ... probably not an issue with Yorkies; but there are lots of folks with big dogs on here too. I put water right in their crates. Razz has a water bottle attached to his crate

I have on the emergency contact ; their vet name, addy, phone number, an emergency contact number; any meds that they are on; and packed in my emergency kit which is front and center attached to a carbiner to their crate. A big Please transport in crate to emergency vet. Their names; the Safety command of STOP.

I always have an extra collar and leash, in either my pocket or butt bag when walking. I have had both break on different occasions.

When hiking; or walking in unfamiliar places I place a whistle around my neck, and do carry my cell phone.

When stopping at rest stops; if possible I stop away from the access road, and away from other cars. I make sure to look around my environment prior to exiting the car; doubly sure at night; and at night try to park under a light. My keys have a mini flashlight attached to it, so I can see if they poo where to pick up their poo.

For crate in car training; the biggest command you can teach and train your dog for safety is STAY of WAIT, remember you will be attaching a collar and lead to your dog, and the idea is if someone or some dog walks by they don't bolt out of the car.

For the humans in the car; a blanket; candles; water should already be there, emergency flashes in case of car breakdown.


I usually carry my own water in the car; and their dog food as well on long car trips.

I know GPS is the rage, but nothing beats old fashioned maps, so I always travel with maps for the area I am travelling in.

[SWHouston]

gemy, those were some VERY good points, but...

Originally Posted by gemy

there are lots of folks with big dogs on here too

You mean there are other Dogs besides Yorkies !!!