It’s Pet Fire Safety Day! Pets start over a thousand fires a year. Unfortunately, they are also often caught in house fires. Fires can start for a variety of reasons, some of which can’t be avoided or controlled. That said, there are things you can do to prevent the risk of your pet starting a fire, and help get them to safety if one does break out. A Greater Cincinnati vet offers some advice on this below.
It’s important for pets to have water available outdoors. Just be wary of using clear glass bowls on wooden decks. This is essentially a huge risk. (It’s very similar to what happens when people use magnifying glasses or mirrors to start fires in piles of twigs.)
If you don’t have window stickers, consider getting some. Be sure to get ones that include pets. They should state how many pets you have, and what kind they are. This information is crucial for firefighters, especially if a fire starts when nobody’s home.
This one isn’t much of an issue with cats or small dogs, but if Fido is tall enough to bump your stove knobs, it’s a definite concern. You don’t want your furry best friend accidentally turning on the gas! Use childproof knobs to be safe.
Candles and pets are never a good mix. If you want to burn candles, keep them in thick candleholders, and place them well out of paws’ reach. Wall sconces are a safe bet. It’s much too easy for Fido or Fluffy to knock candles over!
If you have a fireplace, be sure to use a sturdy grate in front of it. Even if your pet stays away from the flame, he or she could knock something into it.
It’s always best to be prepared for emergencies, just in case. Keep leashes and collars on pegs near your doors. That way, they are in easy reach if you need to get out quickly. We also can’t overstate the importance of making sure your pet has been microchipped, and is wearing ID tags. If you and your furry friend get separated in a fire, this is the best thing you can do to increase the odds of you being reunited again.
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