By Nicole Abrego

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month. As much as we hope that a natural disaster such as fires, earthquakes, floods, or other events won’t happen near our home, it’s always best to prepare your family in case such an event occurs. Pets are part of your family, and thus, should be included in your family’s emergency plan. Here are some helpful tips on how to make sure that your pet is prepared in case of an emergency. 

Taking care of a dog is typically pretty straight forward. You have to make sure that they eat every day, that they have a safe place to sleep at night, and that they get the love and attention they deserve as a furry member of your family. But dealing with a sick dog may become tricky -- not to mention stressful.

If your dog or cat had an accident, would you know how to stabilize them before transporting them to the vet or to an emergency veterinary care center? The goal of National Pet First Aid Awareness Month in April is to ensure pet owners are aware of basic actions to take in the case of a pet-related emergency. Here are some tips to remember if your pet has an emergency:

Most people think of bleach or rat poison when they think of household toxins. If that’s you, you’re right. Yet, there are many other less obvious items that could pose a hazard.

Take sugar-free gum for instance. Did you know that it contains xylitol, which can cause liver failure in your dog? The popular sugar substitute is also in certain brands of toothpaste and sweetener packets for coffee and tea. Yet, it can be deadly to your dog.

We all love sitting on the couch with something to snack on after a long day, but how many of us are guilty of sharing with our furry friends? Of course it's too easy to want to slip something over to your doe-eyed dog, but how can we be sure that what we’re sharing is safe? This is a list of foods that are not only safe for you and your dog to share, but they can also be good for your pup!

The holiday season is a time of giving and joy for many families. However, for pets, there are some dangers that come along with the holiday festivities. During this season, it is important to keep in mind some of the hazards for pets while still enjoying the holidays together.

Preparing your home for your new furry arrival is an exciting time. Whether you’re a first-time pet parent or an old hand, it’s always a mix of emotions. Will everything go smoothly? Will they be safe and happy? One way you can protect your new charge is by pet-proofing your home.

Frankly, there are so many potential hazards, ranging from sugar-free gum to antifreeze, that it’s worth reviewing your home periodically, even if you’re used to living with pets.

Did you know dogs are at risk of heatstroke? As the weather heats up, human bodies’ sweat as a way to regulate our body temperature, but our pups are at greater risk. If a dog gets overheated, this can lead to heat stroke and severe health issues -- even death. Even worse, it can happen in minutes.