UK Pet Safety

We are supposed to lived in a dog loving nation but with current legislation as it is pet owners have to be very careful that they are not prosecuted under the myriad of laws now in force. Add to that natural dangers and dangers from people who are anti dog and it becomes clear that a pet owner in the UK has to be very vigilant.

Bylaws and Dog Control

All local councils within the UK now have the option to follow dog order laws that can limit the enjoyment of owning a dog for the average householder. Parks where you could once let your dog play and run free are now off limits. Big brother is snooping with cctv cameras in case you do not pick up after your dog. The main reason for our dogs not to be able to run free is mainly because of over protective parents who think that their children are going to become blind from the toxacara worm. There are very few instances of people going blind from this worm and then most catch it from cats and what do doting parents do - they let their children man handle the family cat and think nothing of it!

Go to a park any day of the week and the thing you notice is children out of control. There will be very few dogs that run loose. Most owners are devoted to their dogs and exercise them on lead or fully supervised. They also pick up after their dogs and bin the bags with care. Can the same be said of children? Where are the parents? Have these children been trained to behave? Unfortunately because of bad parenting it is the dogs in the UK that are now suffering.

Standard Precautions

By ensuring pet has been micro chipped with his owners details and if he is walked in public he wears a collar with a name tag the owner will have observed the basic safety procedures of a pet owner. Dog owners should ensure that their dog, when exercise off lead, is under control and not near people who may complain regardless of whether the animal has done wrong or not.

Walking in the Dark

When walking your pet early morning or in the evening it is possible that it will still be dark and you and your pet will not be seen clearly by traffic. Wear light coloured clothing and use leads, collars and tag on your dog that will either flash or light up so that he can be seen. If the dog wears a coat stick some fluorescent flashes on it so that he stands out.

Summer

There are dangers to pets in the summertime that can poison and make him very sick. Be aware when walking in the countryside that farmers may have sprayed pesticides in to fields that you walk through. Weed killers are often sprayed on pavement and roads in towns and in hot weather the tar on road will become soft and stick to your pet's paws.Rivers and lakes may look very enticing on a hot summer's day but many owners have died after jumping in to save their dog that has got into difficulties.A sunny day can also be a killer for pets left in cars. If you cannot keep your dog with you leave him at home - heat kills.

Theft

Unfortunately dog theft is on the increase. Certain types of breeds are being taken from owners or during burglaries as they can reach a good price on the street where they are sold or exchanged for drugs. Never leave your home at risk of being burgled. Lock windows and doors securely and fit a burglar alarm. When out walking with your pet carry a mobile telephone in case you need to call for help. For women a rape alarm is an excellent item as it will scare off someone trying to take your dog. Quite often the thief will want the 'grab and run' and the noise of the alarm will scare him away.

With a little thought and planning you can ensure that your pet is safe and secure.