Saturday, October 27, 2012

Keep your pets safe this Halloween

Originally published on Poway Patch Oct. 22:

Halloween offers a lot of spine-tingling fun for us and our families, but it also presents certain hazards for our pets. Here are some helpful tips on how you can keep your pet safe, relaxed and healthy this Halloween:

Pet costumes: Dogs and cats dressed in Halloween costumes are adorable, but be mindful of the attire you pick for your pet. Avoid tight clothing or straps that might restrict their breathing, and make sure you supervise your pet at all times so they don’t get tangled up in or chew on their costume (this could cause a choking hazard).

Treats: Those tasty Halloween treats are toxic to our pets. Chocolate is the obvious danger, but Xylitol, a chemical used to sweeten many candies, can cause low blood sugar or liver failure if your pet consumes even the smallest amount. Keep candy out of your pet’s reach, and keep a watchful eye over your pets if your youngsters like to spread out their sweet treasures on the floor. Wrappers and lollipop sticks pose choking hazards or can cause obstructions, so stash your trash to avoid any accidents.

Trick-or-Treat: Trick-or-treating is a fun family activity, but leave your pets at home. The loud noises and crowds of little people in spooky costumes and masks can give your pet a scare, so they’ll be happier in the safety of their own home. If you have trick-or-treaters coming to your door, keep your pets in a safe, quiet place away from the constant activity. As always, make sure they are wearing proper identification and are microchipped in case they bolt out the open door.

Decorations: Halloween is definitely a fun holiday to decorate for, but those Jack-o-Lanterns, plastic skeletons and cobwebs can be dangerously enticing to our pets. Keep them out of reach if possible, and supervise them at all times. If you have Jack-o-Lanterns, consider using battery-operated candles instead of flame candles, which will be a serious fire danger if your pet knocks them over.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

PET PERSPECTIVE: Stay on the right side of the law

Originally published in the North County Times Oct. 15:

Do you know the laws for your pets here in San Diego County? As pet owners, it's our responsibility to know and understand the law, not just for the safety of our pets and the people around us, but to prevent costly fines and tickets. Here are some animal-related laws you should know:

Rabies vaccinations and dog licensing: All dogs older than 4 months must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. The first rabies vaccination is good for one year, and the subsequent vaccinations are valid for three years. You must purchase a license within 30 days of your dog reaching the age of 4 months; within 30 days of adopting your dog; or within 30 days of entering your jurisdiction. If you don't obtain or renew your license by the expiration date, it will result in a late fee.

Disturbing the peace: It is a public offense for your pet to unreasonably disturb the peace and quiet of the public. There are remedies you can try if your dog is overreacting to the slightest sound or barking constantly, including regular leash walks, turning on your stereo or TV to drown out noises that may trigger barking and keeping your dog inside at night and when you are away.

Humane treatment and care: Humane treatment of an animal includes providing him or her with adequate shelter, food, water and exercise. It is recommended that you have your pets examined by a veterinarian at least once a year.

Restraint of dogs: At home, you must effectively control your dog at all times, whether it's by voice, electronic pet containment system or with a fence or other enclosure. You cannot tether an animal to a fixed object for longer than three hours in a 24-hour period. It is lawful for your dog to be on a trolley line as long as he or she can go the full extent of the line and is wearing a harness. On walks, your dog must be on-leash at all times, and the leash cannot exceed 6 feet. In the car, you must safely enclose or protect your dog by a harness or other device that will prevent him or her from falling, being thrown or jumping from the vehicle.

Public protection from dogs: You are responsible for ensuring that your dog does not harm or endanger the health or safety of people or other animals. Always be vigilant, and never assume that your dog will act predictably in unusual circumstances or with unfamiliar people.

Warm weather tip: It is a public offense to leave your animal in an unattended vehicle where the animal is in danger because of high temperatures or lack of sufficient ventilation. On a warm day, vehicle interior temperatures can reach extreme levels and endanger your pet's life in a matter of minutes, even with partly open windows. If you are running errands, leave your pet at home. Shaded parking areas, open windows or an air-conditioned vehicle with the engine off won't save your pet's life.

Sanitation: It is a public offense, and poor pet etiquette, to allow your dog to relieve himself on someone else's property. You must always remove and throw away feces left by your dog, whether it is on public or private property. Sanitation laws also apply to your own property, as you are required to keep your property sanitary and free of any offensive odors.

If you have any questions about our local animal laws, you can call the Escondido Humane Society at 760-888-2275. Other local animal control agencies: www.sdhumane.org; www.sddac.com

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