Tips on Keeping Your Pet Safe

According to a data analysis performed by the National Fire Protection Association last year, nearly 1,000 residential fires are accidentally caused by pets and approximately 500,000 pets per year are affected by home fires. Those are some staggering numbers, so – given the importance our pets play in our lives – it makes sense to bear in mind some summer safety practices for when you’re not at home. Here are four simple pet safety tips from the American Kennel Society (AKC) that can help ensure your animals’ well being.

• Extinguish any open flames – Make sure you put out candles, fires in your fireplace or any other open flame before you go out. Animals get curious and will investigate the flickering light of flames, so make
• Cover or remove stove knobs – Pets will sometimes jump up against a stove to see what is on top. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association says that a stove is the number one piece of equipment involved in your pet starting a fire.
• Use flameless candles – If you want to use candles as accents around the house, use the type that contains a light bulb rather than a wick. This will eliminate the danger of your pet knocking over a candle.
• Beware of water bowls on wooden decks – Although it’s hard to believe, the NFPA says that sunlight – when filtered through the glass and water of a pet’s water dish – can actually heat up and ignite the wooden deck beneath it. They recommend stainless steel or ceramic bowls instead.

It only takes common sense measures to practice summer safety, so if you use these pet safety tips, you’ll be able to leave the house with greater peace of mind, knowing you’ve made your home safer for your beloved pets.

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