Pet Fire Safety

Did you know that today, July 15th, is Pet Fire Safety Day! This is a very important topic. Our animal companions startup to 1000 fires a year! Read on as a Thorold, ON vet discusses pet fire safety.

One of the biggest tools to prevent fires—or at least alert you if there is one—is the smoke detector. Make sure that yours are functional, and remember to check the batteries regularly.

There are some things you can do to decrease the odds of your furry buddy starting a fire in your home. Candles are one serious danger. It’s very easy for Fluffy to stick her tail into one, or for Fido to knock one over with his tail. Keep candles and potpourri burners in high, secure spots, such as wall sconces. Exposed wires can also be an issue, especially if you have a pet that likes to chew on things. Use protective coverings and/or taste deterrent to make them less appealing. If you have a gas stove and a dog big enough to hit the knobs, use child-safe knob covers. It’s also important to put protective grates before fireplaces. If you using standing heaters, make sure your pet can’t knock them over. Last but not least, avoid using glass bowls on wooden decks. In the right conditions, this can actually start fires!

Consider getting a monitored home security system that is equipped with smoke alarms. That way, if a fire starts while you are out, emergency services will still be alerted, and will be dispatched to your home immediately.

Get some window stickers for pets. Note on them how many pets you have, what kind of pets you have, and where they are likely to hide. Many firefighters will try to save pets when they can. This information can be a tremendous help to them.

There have definitely been some fascinating tales about pets alerting their owners to fires and other hazards. While you should never rely on Fluffy or Fido to be a furry fire alarm, if your pet does something unusual, such as pawing at you insistently while you are sleeping, take note and check things out. Better safe than sorry!

Please reach out to us, your local Thorold, ON pet clinic, with any questions about your pet’s health or care. We are always happy to help!