Spring Ahead With Daylight Saving Time: Seasonal Health & Safety Tips

Gibson knows what time it is!

 

Wooo! It's Daylight Saving Time (DST) for many areas of the world, and for us, tomorrow morning (Sunday, March 9) at 2 AM, we "spring" our clocks ahead an hour, which means...Spring is on its way with daylight giving us longer days to have more fun  to run and play in the yard, go for hikes, long walks, BBQ lots of nom-noms, and swims in the pool. It's also the perfect time to remember some seasonal health and safety tips:

• PET MEDICATIONS TIME: If your pet is on specifically timed medications (like our Epi-Husky Gibson who is on meds he must take 12 hours apart), you can help reset your pet's internal clock for these medications by staggering them by a half-hour starting on Sunday. Example: If your pet had been receiving their dosages at 7:30 AM before DST, then under the first day of the new time, give it to them at 8:00 AM*; then do the same for the PM dosage. On the second day, you can return back to the normal time by backing up the dosage another half hour bringing it to the designated 7:30 dosage time. This way, there will be no long delay in their dosage schedule that could possibly affect the gentle balance of medication levels. *This is the method I use. It may not be right for everyone's pet, so please check with your vet.

• BATTERY CHECK: Replace batteries and check connections for pet cams, room/baby monitors, and smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors. 

 

• FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. Check to see when the last time your fire extinguishers were checked and verified. Be sure they are working properly.

• PET ALERT WINDOW CLINGS: Be sure pet window clings are visible on the outside so fire fighters can easily see, and be sure they are not faded from time and sun. If you need a replacement, you can Google "Pet Window Clings," or visit ASPCA for a FREE safety pack, that includes their Poison Control info on a magnet to keep handy.

• PET ID TAGS: Check all pet tags to be sure they are all up to date with current info.

• MICROCHIP: Check your pet’s microchip information and be sure it has been updated with any new info, such as a new address, new vet, new phone numbers, etc. Be sure to update info with not only the as microchip company, but also your vet’s office. If your pet is not yet mircrochipped--please have it done just in case your pet gets lose, lost, or is stolen.

• HEARTWORM/FLEA/TICK PREVENTATIVES: If your pet is on Heartworm and flea/tick preventative, and you do not do it all year long, be sure to visit your vet, have your pet tested for Heartworm and parasites, and start them on the preventative for the season before the warmer weather begins. 

• PET FIRST AID KIT: Review your pet's emergency/First Aid Kit to be sure things are up-to-date. Replace anything that has expired. With the arrival of bees, it's a good idea to check with your vet about including Benadryl® in the kit and what the proper dosage for your pet would be.

• BEDDING: Take the time to check out all the winter bedding and give them a good spring cleaning or replacement. Buying new beds? Why not wash up and mend the old ones and see if your local dog shelter could use them.

• EXPIRATION DATES: Check all pet meds, vitamins, food, and care products for expiration dates (and be sure they are kept out of reach of furkids).

• EMERGENCY CONTACTS: Update all vet and emergency contacts, including Poison Control, in your home and in your cell phones. Do you have the Pet Poison Helpline Phone App? Click HERE for info.

 Put Us On Your Fridge & By Your Phones:

If you’re calling from Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands, you can reach Pet Poison Helpline toll-free at 877-416-7319. Other Caribbean islands can reach us at 011-1-952-853-1716.

 

A $65 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.

 

 

• GEAR: Check out all leashes, harnesses, and collars to be sure they are not frayed, chewed, or otherwise compromised.

• OUTDOOR SAFETY #1: With the arrival of warmer weather, give your yard a good safety check and remove any dangerous or poisonous items and mend any broken fences, gates, etc. Get down to your pet's level and see it from their perspective. Is there anything dangerous lying around that was hidden under snow, water, or mud? Any "escape" holes? Any places where wildlife or insects can build a home? Any salt or poisonous winter items around where they can now get to them? 

• OUTDOOR SAFETY #2: With the unveiling of pools and grills, be sure you have safety mechanisms in place so your beloved pet can not get burnt, drown, or get hurt. If you have an in-ground pool, even if you have it gated, be sure you have a pet ladder so if they accidentally fall in, they have a way out.

• KEEP 'EM COOL: Invest in a kiddie pool or two now before they are sold out for the summer. A fun, inexpensive way for your pet to cool down on the upcoming hot days.

• WATER: Always keep fresh, cool water available. 

• CORD SAFETY: Test run fans and A/Cs and check the cords to be sure they are not frayed, cut, or chewed.

 

• BEAT THE HEAT: Remember when walking your dog in the warmer weather, to do so during the coolest points of the day - early AM and late PM - so as not to overheat them. Also be conscious of the hot pavement and roads on their paws; keep to the grassy sides if possible or shady areas. And always bring along a bottle of water.

Have fun, be safe, and here's to a great Spring!