Heidi Prentice Lic. Assoc. RE Broker

Chances are you consider Captain Barkbark and Colonel Meowers, your pets, to be part of the family. And, as with all members of the family, their safety and well-being is a top priority! From keeping the house clean to providing health insurance coverage for your pets, here are some safety tips to help keep your pets safe.

Keep your pets safe with these general safety tips.

Check your pet’s collar. As puppies and kitties grow up into dogs and cats, their necks grow, too. Be sure their collar isn’t too tight while they grow, and once they’re fully grown, check periodically to ensure the collar fits properly and isn’t wearing away too much. For pets that like to get into small spaces and are in danger of their collar catching on something and choking them, consider breakaway collars. These collars will open automatically when tugged on too hard, freeing your pet in an emergency. (Note that this means your pet will be running around without a collar in an emergency.)

Keep the floor clean of hair and choking hazards, like string, and put away small toys. If your cat or dog consumes either of these and you see string hanging from their mouth, or their waste connected to their rear end by hair, take them to a vet. Don’t pull on the hair or string, as it could cause intestinal damage and bleeding.

Know what your pet is allergic to or what foods and plants can be hazardous to their health. Did you know that dark chocolate can give your dog diarrhea, grapes and raisins can give both cats and dogs kidney damage and give cats diarrhea, and onions are toxic to both cats and dogs? In addition, tulips, lilies, daffodils, English ivy, and more are poisonous to cats. Amaryllis bulbs, hydrangea, ivy, foxgloves, hemlock, and more are poisonous to dogs. Protect your pet by becoming familiar with what can be lethal to them. If they ingest something toxic or appear to have a bad reaction, take them to the vet immediately.

Take them to the vet for regular check-ups. Anything could happen. From a sudden flea infestation to urinary problems to a simple cold, it’s always good to take your pet to the vet regularly. With a consistent health record, signs of various illnesses can be caught earlier. In addition, regular check-ups will ensure that your pets are up-to-date on their vaccines.

Be visible to vehicles. When taking your dog for a walk, especially at night and in the winter when the sun sets early, make sure you and your dog are visible. Consider investing in a reflective vest for you and your dog to be visible to vehicles.

Keep your family safe with pet insurance.

Just like everyone else in the family, pets can have sick days. Although your employer probably will not let you list a pet as a dependent on your health insurance for people, there are coverage options available for your fur babies.

At Howard Hanna Insurance Services, we want to provide you with all the information and coverage options you need to keep your family happy and healthy – including your pets!

Comprehensive pet health and accident insurance helps provide coverage for veterinary care, from routine checkups to emergency services and alternative therapies. Like health insurance for humans, you have the freedom to choose various levels of coverage and flexible plans. This helps to alleviate financial stress when choosing the best available veterinary care for your pet.

In order to take advantage of your coverage once you purchase a policy, follow these simple steps:

Call me so I can hook you up with Howard Hanna Insurance.

Howard Hanna Insurance Services is dedicated to providing you with the best insurance coverage and pricing for everything from your home, to your auto, to your business, and much more. Howard Hanna clients are paired with a professional insurance agent who will design a customized insurance plan to suit your needs.