We were pleased to be mentioned in this month’s AKC Gazette, in an article about house fires and pets. Fires are a major cause of death for pets. According to Pet Safety Alert, makers of fire-safety decals, an estimated 40,000 pets lose their lives in fires each year. CDC estimates that more than 3,000 people died in house fires in 2005, with more than 13,000 people suffering injuries from house fires.

Our natural reaction is to try to save the ones we love. As a result it’s not uncommon for pet owners to suffer injuries or even lose their lives, by going back into a burning home to save their pets. In the Pet Tech first aid classes we teach “Safety First,” which means not putting anyone…pets or humans…in danger while trying to save another pet. So, as the AKC article points out, if your pet is in a burning building, and you are outside, you must not go in to save them. The lifesaving should be left to the firefighters who are trained for rescue work.

While there is no way to guarantee there will never be a fire in your home, the article offers a fire safety checklist of things that may just save your life, and that of your pets. Just a few of the suggested items to have in your home are smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and a pet evacuation kit. Items in the pet evacuation kit include copies of your pets’ veterinary information, a carrying case or kennel, muzzles, and leashes.

For more information about fire safety and disaster preparedness, see the AKC website. And for information on the Pet Tech First Aid & Care for Your Pets classes see the Pet Tech website.

Posted: March 20th, 2008 under Pet Health.
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People aren’t the only ones who suffer weight issues. More and more, we’re hearing about pets who are dealing with obesity, and the effects caused by the extra weight. Obesity in pets can cause a number of other health issues including diabetes, heart disease, breathing problems, joint problems, and more.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention…

An Estimated 45% of All Pets in the United States are Overweight or Obese
An Estimated 25% of All US Pets are Obese

Maintaining a healthy weight cuts down on the associated health problems as well as the medical bills that go with them. Other than the health and monetary benefits, being active with our pets can be a fun way to spend time together.

For tips on how to help keep your pets happy and healthy, subscribe to our newsletter and we’ll send you a weekly tip to keep your Petizen healthy! Not sure what  a Petizen is? Click here to find out.

Posted: January 15th, 2008 under Pet Health.
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