Pet Safety and Home Heating

During these chilly months, there’s nothing like snuggling up with your fur baby to beat the cold. However, when you need a little extra warmth, you’ll likely crank up the heat in your home. If you use other heating methods besides your furnace, consider your pet’s safety.

Space Heaters

Every year, there are thousands of house fires caused by space heaters, so make sure the one you use has every safety feature possible. Space heaters can also affect your pet’s safety if they get too close. Consider placing the heater in an area of the room that is well-ventilated, but less accessible to your pet.

Hand Warmers

Hand warmers are an easy way to keep your fingers a little more toasty when you’re out in the cold. However, hand warmers can be toxic to your pet since they contain high levels of iron.  Keep these items far out of your pet’s reach. If he happens to get ahold of one and snacks on it, call your vet or the poison control hotline right away.

Heat Registers

If you live in an older home with heat registers built into the floor, don’t make those spots your pet’s home base. Setting up your pet’s crate near floor vents can cause them to overheat even on the coldest of days.

Fireplaces

The flickering flames in a fireplace can be fascinating to your pet, but furry friends and fires don’t mix. If your pet gets too close to the flames, he can suffer from singed fur or skin burns. Make sure to surround your fireplace with a properly fitted safety screen.

Sweater Weather

During the winter, some small or short-haired dogs could benefit from wearing sweaters to keep warm. To ensure their safety, only outfit your pets in clothing that has a snug fit so they don’t get caught on their surroundings. Also, choose clothing that is zipper-free if your pet is a chewer.

Of course, keeping your pet safe during winter is important to you. Keeping your pet safe year-round is important to us! At Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital, we’ve been caring for your pets since 1979, treating them just like one of our own.

If you’re in need of a trustworthy veterinarian in Berkeley Heights, Summit, Murray Hill, or New Providence, NJ, schedule an appointment at our office by calling 908-464-0023.