The use of heating devices and candles can be a serious fire hazard, especially with a four-legged friend running around.
The American Kennel Club offers these tips to help prevent home fires and keep your pets safe.
Your pup is naturally curious. Leaving them unattended with things like cooking appliances, candles or fireplaces is extremely dangerous. Always make sure that any open flame or sources of heat are thoroughly cooled and extinguished before leaving your home. You could always try flameless candles, for the same ambiance without the hazard.
Having smoke detectors installed in your home is a great step. Always make sure to test them once a month and replace the batteries annually. Additionally, keep fire extinguishers in your home in places that are easily accessible.
When dogs accidentally start house fires, the stove is a common appliance involved. Some stove knobs just need to be pressed to be turned on, which can be easily done by pets leaning or jumping. Be sure to remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before leaving the house.
It’s a good idea to always keep your pup’s collar on. Keep your leashes in an accessible place in case firefighters need to rescue your dogs in an emergency. When you leave your dogs home alone, keep them near rooms with an exit and where they can be easily found.
It is a good idea to write down the number of dogs inside your home and attach the cling to a front-facing window. This information can be critical in saving time when locating your pets. These decals can usually be found at your local pet store.
With young puppies, it’s important to keep them away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are not home. There are many options for safe, secure and comfortable crates and gates, so if you can’t always keep an eye on them or you must leave them home alone, opt for these. – American Kennel Club/Tribune News Service
For more information on responsible dog ownership, visit the AKC at www.akc.org.
