If you’ve settled into your Orlando apartment and made a trip to the Humane Society to adopt a new friend to come home to, good for you! Should you be new to Florida, however, there are things about the environment you need to know about to help keep your pet safe when he’s outside your home. Orlando is a very pet friendly city, but that doesn’t mean dangers don’t lurk for a four-legged creature.
So, how can you keep your pet as safe as possible. Try following these pet safety tips:
Keep your dog or cat licensed and tagged
This is one of the best ways to keep your pet safe whether you live in Orlando, Anchorage or New York. Rabies can be a concern in Florida and so can animals getting loose. If your dog or cat gets away from you, a current tag is one of the best ways to make sure it gets back to you. Microchips can also help immensely. The Humane Society and local shelters tend to scan for these devices on animals they take in.
Watch your dog when he’s outdoors
Even if you have a fenced in yard, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your pet while he’s outside. The best dog safety advice for this area calls for diligence when a pet is outside the home. Snakes, spiders and wild animals can sometimes cause problems even in secured yards. If your yard isn’t fenced, other critters can cause issues. Alligators are always a concern in areas where lakes, ponds and freshwater rivers are present. Although alligator attacks are very rare, they do happen. The best way to protect your dog from this kind of attack is to make sure he is kept away from the water’s edge and watched while outdoors.
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- Preventing Heat Stroke in Dogs and Cats
Be mindful of the heat
Even if you have a very shaded backyard, Florida is not the place to leave dogs outside all the time. If you must, make sure your dog has plenty of water, a cool, shaded area to retreat to and a coat that will enable him to survive . Heat stroke is a very big issue for pets in Florida.
Don’t leave him in a car
Whether you have a cat or dog, this is a huge no-no in Florida. Even if you crack the window, heat stroke can still happen. For the safety of your pet, don’t take him along on rides if you will find yourself having to leave him alone in a car for more than a few short minutes at a time. Cars heat up fast in the middle of summer and dogs can succumb very quickly.
Brining a dog or a cat into an Orlando apartment is a great way to enjoy a friendly face at the end of the day. If you want to make sure your new best friend stays safe, do heed basic pet safety warnings. The Orlando environment can be harsh for dogs and cats that are not well cared for.
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