Welcoming a dog into your home is a big decision, especially if you have a family. Caring for a pet involves a lot of commitment, and that’s especially true for dogs. They generally need more space and attention than cats, and most will need to go outside to relieve themselves a couple times per day. If you’ve decided to adopt a dog, prepare your home and vehicle before picking up the pooch. Use this checklist to ensure that your pet has a safe and smooth transition to its new home.

• Crate or cage – While it’s not a good idea to cage your animal for extended periods of time, having a place where it’s safe and secure while you’re cleaning the house or bringing in loads of groceries can be helpful. Make the crate a safe and comfortable place with bedding, and keep the door open whenever possible so your new pet can come and go as it pleases.
• Bed – If your dog won’t be sleeping in its crate, make sure it has a place to lie down. Designating a comfortable sleeping area will make it easier to keep your pet off the furniture and out of your bed.
• Grooming supplies – While you may prefer to have most grooming done professionally, it’s still a good idea to have dog shampoo, a brush and nail clippers on-hand just in case.
• Lint rollers – If you get a breed of dog that is prone to shedding, a lint roller can help keep your clothes fur-free.
• Vet – Before adopting a dog, it’s a good idea to find a vet in the area, especially if you need advice choosing a breed or finding a place to get your pup.
• Food – Ask your vet what kind and how much food your dog should get daily, and stick to his or her recommendation. Many dogs will eat well past the point of being full, so you have to help enforce portion control. It’s also a good idea to find out what kind of food your dog has been eating, and if you transition to a new one, do so slowly to avoid an upset stomach.
• Dishes – Get food and water dishes for your pup, plus a couple spares to keep in the car for when you travel or go to the park.
• Toys – Get a couple toys before you bring your dog home, then buy more based on what your pup likes. Having toys to play with will reduce the chance that your dog will start playing with your shoes or the furniture. A few good chew toys are essential when adopting a dog.
• Vaccines – Ask the shelter or breeder whether your dog has been vaccinated, and be sure to get documentation. If your pet needs additional shots, arrange a vaccination schedule with your vet.
• Spay and neuter – Unless you have a show dog, or plan to stud or breed your new pet, you should consider spaying or neutering. According the Animal Protective League, companion animal overpopulation is a problem, and reducing the risk of unexpected puppies is the responsible thing to do.
• I.D. tags and microchip – After picking up your new companion, make sure it gets an I.D. tag, or even better, a microchip implant.

When taking your new pet home for the first time, keep in mind that animals can cause a distraction in the car, especially if they’re in a new environment. Make sure you’re covered by affordable auto insurance, and if you’re looking for a provider, compare auto insurance ratings between companies before choosing a policy.

Dale Cooper has been blogging about financial services, insurance and education for more than three years. He holds a B.A. in English and lives in Cleveland. In his spare time, Dale enjoys cooking and traveling.

Sponsored content was created and provided by Nationwide Insurance.

No matter how protective a pet parent you are, chances are there are still some things in your home that can be toxic to pets. Veterinary practices see thousands of cases each year of pets accidentally poisoned by everyday household items. With Pet Poison Awareness Month right around the corner, it’s smart to arm yourself with some information that could potentially save your pet’s life.

When you think about “accidental toxin ingestion,” fruit is probably not the first thing that springs to mind, but something as simple as a handful of grapes can sour a situation in a matter of seconds. Small breeds, like the Chihuahua or Maltese, show signs of distress pretty soon after ingestion, but even larger animals are at risk – dogs can go into acute renal failure within 48 hours after eating grapes (or raisins!).

Wondering what other everyday household items that can spell trouble for our furry friends? Here’s a list of some of the most common culprits:

Prescription or Over-the-Counter Medication

Human medicines, whether prescription-strength or not, are dangerous in the wrong paws. In fact, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin and ibuprofen, can present big problems for pets. I’ve seen dogs sickened from snacking on a bottle of aspirin, but I’ve also seen patients come in because their pet parents administered the drug thinking it would work for their dog the way it does for them. While there are some medications that work for both species, always, always check with your vet before giving your pet any type of human medicine. In the meantime, keep pill bottles behind closed cabinet doors.

Table Food/Drink

Kitchen staples like chocolate, onions, alcohol, coffee grounds and sugar substitutes (or foods containing sugar substitutes) are all a recipe for catastrophe. I see dogs come into the clinic who have eaten an entire pack of sugar-free gum from an unattended purse. Trust me; the minty-fresh breath is NOT worth the trip to the vet. Keep all food and drink meant for human consumption under lock and key – especially fatty foods. Even a single incident of eating high fat food can trigger pet pancreatitis, a potentially fatal disease from fatty foods that causes inflammation of the pancreas and requires prompt medical attention.

Cigarettes

Nicotine poisoning is also a danger to our pets. If you are a smoker, you pet’s health may already be compromised by secondhand smoke, but if he gets his paws on a pack of cigarettes and eats them, he can really get burned. The toxic level of nicotine in dogs is 5 milligrams of nicotine per pound of body weight. Just one cigarette contains 15 to 25 milligrams of nicotine – if your pet tears into half a pack, the overdose can be deadly.

House Plants

Every spring veterinarians see an increase in pets poisoned by lilies, and during the holiday season poinsettias pop up on our radar. Azaleas, tulips and autumn crocus are other threats, and in in regions that have sandy soils in tropical climates (Florida, California, and Texas, I’m looking at you!), sago palms are both common and extremely toxic if ingested. It’s worth a mention for our friends in Colorado and Washington (and maybe a few other states) that marijuana is toxic to pets, too. Keep all leafy greens planted firmly out of reach.

Zinc

If you have a baby in the house, watch out for diaper rash creams containing zinc. Also be sure to keep coins, screws, bolts and other galvanized metals out of reach, too, as they all contain dangerous levels of the element. Pennies are particularly toxic, so be sure your rainy day savings is safely stowed away.

These are some everyday items to look out for, but there’s plenty more around the house and garden that can make a pet sick. For a more complete list, check out a resource like Pet Poison Helpline for more information. Once a pet has snacked on something unsavory, time is of the essence. Get him to the vet immediately for the best chance of saving him from danger.

Dr. Jules Benson, BVSC, MRCVS, is a graduate of the University of Liverpool Vet School. Since arriving in the U.S. eight years ago, Dr. Benson has worked in a small animal practice near Philadelphia and is currently on the Board of Trustees for the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association and the Board of Directors for Second Chance Rescue. Now serving as the VP of Veterinary Services at Petplan pet insurance, Dr. Benson continues to practice veterinary medicine part time — both in the practice where he once spent all of his days, and at home, where he is both dad and vet to four cats, two rats, one rabbit and a gecko. He contributes regularly to Petplan’s Vets for Pets blog.

If you have ever lost a pet for a prolonged period of time, you will know the unbridled joy that comes with being reunited. You will also know that in the majority of cases the main catalyst for returning the pet to its owner are the altruistic actions of the good people who have ensured your animal makes its way back to you safely.

So it follows that if you find a stray animal that is lost, disorientated and hungry, you would, I hope, try to look after it as best you can and return it to its owner.

But often it’s not as simple as just scooping the animal up and taking it back home. As a domestic animal that has been abandoned or lost, it is likely to experiencing significant stress and fear and this may lead it to misunderstand your virtuous actions as a threat. You may actually further endanger the animal (and yourself) by rushing in to help!

If you do come across a stray animal you need to think calmly and rationally to try and ensure that you pursue the best course of action for the animal itself.  So here is a summary of what exactly you should do to help the stray…

Safety First

As alluded to above, your first thought should be about the safety of the situation, both for yourself and for the animal in question. Take note of the environment; if there is a lot of traffic in the area your attempts to catch the animal may end in a dangerous accident.

Recognize the Signs

Secondly, consider the appearance and behavior of the animal itself. If it’s very skinny then coaxing it out with food is an obvious tactic, although feeding it more than a tablespoon of food prior to having it examined by a vet is a bad idea. If the poor critter is very jumpy then you need to be extremely patient, whereas you should stay away and call the relevant authorities if the animal is being particularly aggressive.

Home or Shelter

The next step is to try and restrain the animal and to lead it back to your house or your car. Make sure to talk in a reassuring voice to the animal as you approach so that it does not get the impression you are trying to sneak up on it. If you cannot restrain the animal, you need to call your local authorities.

Here you are faced with two possibilities: to take the animal to the nearest shelter or to take it home and contact the shelter from there to see if anyone has reported the animal missing.

* It is not a good idea to drive anywhere with an unrestrained dog or cat in your car as they may become aggressive and panicked when you start the engine, and may be hard to extract after the journey is over, so make sure that you have spent time with the animal and made sure of its temperament before attempting to move it.

If You Take the Animal Home:

If you do decide to take the pet home and search out the owners yourself, the first thing you should do is read up on the laws in your local area. You may, by law, be obliged to inform the relevant authorities or even hand the animal over. 

I can’t stress how important it is that if the animal is starved and malnourished, you get it to the vet as quickly as possible.

If you can keep the animal in your house while trying to do your best private investigator impression, here are the steps you should take:

1. Check the animal for any signs of identification such as a collar or take the animal to the vet to have it scanned for a microchip.

2. Take a good look around your local area to see if there are any missing pet flyers up.

3. Make your own posters that explain where you found the animal and where you are keeping it (although don’t give out your address) and your contact information including a phone number and an email. Place your flyers within the vicinity of where the animal was found.

4. Regularly contact your local shelter to see if the animal has been reported missing.

Keep a record of all the steps you have taken so that you can prove that you have taken all reasonable steps in trying to locate the owners. This is important in the event that you decide to keep the animal yourself. If you do decide to take the stray in, stop for a moment to consider whether you are really up to the huge commitment that having a pet entails.

If you manage to reunite the animal with its owner then all the better, but even if you end up taking it in or getting it to a shelter, you have still given it a better chance of living a happy, contented live in the embrace of a loving family.

Louise Blake is a first time mother and writer for pet sites such as Petmeds, who provide pet products and medication to pet owners.

How to be a “pawsome” pet parent in six easy steps

Including a pet in your family can be incredibly rewarding. But leading a happy, healthy pack is also a large responsibility. February is “Responsible Pet Owners Month,” so it’s an opportune time for all of us to brush up on our pet parenting skills.

“It takes lots of love and commitment,” comments Don Tomala, Managing Director of Matrix Partners, a Chicago-based marketing firm that’s been Passionate About Pets^SM since 1987. “You’re entering into a lifelong relationship when you bring a pet into your home.”

Fortunately, there are some surprisingly simple steps to becoming a more conscious, caring pet owner. Here are just a few:

1. Spay or neuter your dog, cat, rabbit or ferret. To prevent the companion animal over-population problem from getting worse, spaying or neutering is the most effective means. The ASPCA estimates that five to seven million animals enter shelters nationwide each year… Do your part to save a few – spay or neuter your pet please.

2. Schedule an annual veterinary checkup. Most animals are experts at concealing pain and illness, that’s why it’s so important for your pet to visit the vet each year for a full check-up. Remember, a healthy lifestyle and regular vet visits are the first steps to a long, happy life with your pet. I know plenty of people who say that they have never taken their pet to a vet because he’s never been sick; this may not be the case. PLEASE GET ANNUAL CHECK-UPS AT THE VERY LEAST.

3. ID and/or microchip your pet. Current ID tags on your dog or cat’s collar can help ensure that they get home safe and sound if they should wander out of your sight. Also, talk to your veterinarian about getting a microchip for your pet. If your pet is ever lost, a quick scan will provide rescuers with important phone numbers and addresses to help them reunite you with your pet. God forbid your pet ever gets lost, a microchip can literally be a life-saver.

4. Be prepared. Most first-aid kits can be purchased fully stocked, but no kit is complete without The Company of Animals’ Baskerville Ultra Muzzle. This ultra-comfortable muzzle is perfect for when introducing pets to new situations or when trying to restrain and treat a wounded or hurt pet. The Baskerville Ultra Muzzle is the first of its kind that allows panting, drinking and treating. Plus, it provides two secure attachment points with an optional over-head safety strap for added comfort and security. For more information, check out: www.CompanyOfAnimals.us

5. Travel Safely. You wouldn’t ride without using a seat belt and neither should your pet. Also from The Company of Animals is the CLIX^TM CarSafe, a dual-purpose lead and harness that easily clicks into the car’s seat buckle. Besides riding in safety, your pet will enjoy the CLIX’s unique “X-Cross” design made from double-sided adjustable buckles and soft neoprene padding for optimum fit and comfort.

6. Pet proof your home. Dogs and cats are curious by nature, so there’s always the possibility that they’ll get into anything. Because of this, it’s important to avoid bringing potentially hazardous products into your home. Being educated about the dangers of certain houseplants (yes, there are some plants that are lethal to pets) and choosing more “bio-friendly” products are usually a good place to start.

Today’s most advanced, responsible pet products are made from safe, eco-friendly materials – like Swheat Scoop^® natural, clumping cat litter. Made from naturally processed wheat, Swheat Scoop is completely biodegradable and a 100% renewable resource. Swheat Scoop is clay and chemical free, unlike other litters on the market that are mined and never decompose. Through Swheat Scoop’s patented process, the wheat’s natural enzymes destroy odors instantly, while the natural starches form firm and fast clumps when exposed to moisture. Swheat Scoop’s granular texture means less dust and tracking around the house, and is recommended by veterinarians for kittens and post-surgical cats. Newly reformulated for even more effective performance, Swheat Scoop is available in Original Formula, Multi-Cat and Lightly Scented varieties at fine pet supply retailers near you. www.SwheatScoop.com

7. Feed your pet right.Today, pet parents have more healthier options than ever when it comes to selecting a proper diet of dinners, treats and supplements for their furry friends.

- Spring Naturals^TM is a fresh approach to nurturing pets, offering a complete line of natural canned and dry dinners for dogs. Real meat, poultry or fish is the first ingredient, plus a balanced blend of whole vegetables and fruits – like spinach, blueberries and carrots. And because their recipes are made with more real meat, poultry and fish instead of rendered meals, no high-glycemic ingredients need to be added such as corn, wheat, soy, tapioca, potato starch or rice. Since launching in January of 2012, Spring Naturals has been recognized by Pet Product News International Magazine, Pet Business Magazine and was added to The Whole Dog Journal’s “Top Recommended” list. Available in Whole Grain and Grain-Free varieties, Spring Naturals products are made by a family-owned company, right here in the USA. Look for them at an independent pet store near you. www.SpringNaturals.com

- Lickety Stik^TM and Feline Lickety Stik^TM are liquid treats uniquely packaged in a roller-top dispenser bottle to offer dogs and cats an incredibly tasty reward without all the calories of conventional biscuit treats. Simply remove the cap, give the bottle a shake and get ready to interact with your pet in an entirely new way. Made with 100% all-natural ingredients, Lickety Stik is ideal for treating on the spot, and is a favorite among groomers and trainers. Plus, you can feel good that you’re providing a between-meal treat that won’t pack on excess pounds. Lickety Stik and Feline Lickety Stik serve only one calorie in every 10 canine licks, or 20 feline licks, and are available in a range of savory flavors. Exclusively from PetSafe, purveyor of innovative pet solutions and services since 1991. For details, check out one of my fave pet product sites: www.PetSafe.net

- Wholistic Pet Organics has made it their mission to maximize the health and wellbeing of pets since 1998 with their superior supplements for dogs, cats and horses. Insisting on using only the finest ingredients, the majority of which are not only Certified Organic but also whole, unprocessed foods to retain their potency and taste appeal every step of the way. New Canine Complete^TM Soft Chews are the latest addition to the all-in-one supplement line and provide a complete daily nutritional regimen for Total Body Health™ in an easy-to-serve form. And because each batch of products is blended and packaged in the Phillips’ family-owned and operated New Hampshire facility, pet parents will love serving these healthful chews as much as their pet enjoys snacking on them. www.WholisticPetOrganics.com.

Mention pets and pests and most animal owners automatically think of the fleas so common during warmer months.

But fleas aren’t the only pests that can cause trouble for your pets.Indeed, the cold months bring a new host of pests to pester you and your pooch!

From overwintering bugs that can sicken your pet, to bed bugs that can hitch a ride on your animal – there are lots of overwintering insects that bug your pet and your entire household. Be vigilant when the winter months come on – prepare your pet and your house for the colder months and you’ll be sure to enjoy plenty of cozy winter nights with your animal.

How Do They Get Inside: Overwintering Pests

You ever wonder where bugs go when it’s no longer warm? Some die off, others migrate and still others look forward to the warmth of your house.  Common overwintering bugs are ants, termites, box elder bugs and even wasps, which lay eggs on things like firewood; once inside, the eggs hatch and you’ve got a buzzing surprise.

Here are a few of the top ways bugs get inside during the winter:

• Holiday travel: Many of us will travel during the holidays. Unfortunately staying in hotels is an easy way to bring bed bugs home on your luggage or even your clothes.
• Winter wood: Often left outside on the ground, wood is an ideal place for an insect to hide out and breed. When the wood comes inside, they come out to play.
• Cracks and openings: Sealing up your windows and patching even the tiniest holes in your home’s exterior not only keeps energy bills low, it cuts a major entry point for bugs.

What Does It Mean For My Pet?

You may wonder how an insect can be a threat to your pet. Though many are harmless, plenty of insects can sicken a pet. Here are a few ways:

• Poisonous:  Many pet owners see no harm in letting their pets eat bugs.  But without a guide to household spiders and other bugs, it’s difficult to know which ones are toxic. Would you recognize a brown recluse if you saw one? If the answer is no, you shouldn’t be letting your pet eat bugs.
• Allergic reactions: It’s important to remember that pets have allergies to all kinds of things – including bugs.  As we mentioned above, wasps and bees aren’t just a summer problem. Hatchlings can emerge in winter wood and buzz through your home. One sting and you’re in for a night at the vet.
• General discomfort: Bed bugs are the top culprit here. While these bloodsuckers prefer to dine on you rather than your pet, a cat or a dog can become an easy substitute. More likely, however, is that your pet will transfer insects from room to room as he or she lays on infested beds.

Protecting Your Pets

You know how pests can get into your home and how they can harm your pet. Now, what can you do about it? There are a few simple and cost-effective ways to keep your home and your pets pest-free this winter.

• Take your pet for a winter checkup: Let the start of the winter give you the perfect excuse to give your pet a seasonal checkup. Be sure to ask your vet about common pet allergies and if possible, get your animal tested. Knowing what your pet is allergic to is useful if your pet has a bug bite or even if they get caught nosing through holiday leftovers!
• Be as vigilant about bugs in the winter as you are in the summer:  Pest control is a year-round effort. Clearing debris and trimming bushes and hedges around your yard is one of the easiest ways to keep pests away during the winter.  Here are a few more seasonal DIY pest control tips.
• Keep your pet clean: Proper grooming of your pet is essential – don’t slack off during the cooler months when your pet may spend more time inside. Regularly washing your pet will let you spot things like bug bites early. Also keep their sleeping, eating and play areas clutter free. Pests love little nooks and crannies. Don’t give them a hiding place.
• Travel carefully: Many travelers do a cursory check of hotel bedding after check in. Look a little more closely – if you spot small, black speckles that look almost like tiny droppings, change hotels. Bed bugs are extremely easy to transport and not as easy to get rid of.
• Invest in an essential oil product: There are plenty of pet-friendly products that contain safe levels of these oils known for repelling bugs. Make your own natural bug repellant or buy an all-natural spray. Spritz your pet for an organic layer of pest protection that smells good.
• Wash pet bedding and soft toys: Bed bugs in particular will die in heat of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If you suspect bed bugs are on your pet, contact your veterinarian then thoroughly wash bedding and put it in the dryer for up to 20 minutes. For items that can’t be washed, put them in a sealed plastic bag and place them in direct sunlight for a day or two.

Prepare your house, keep a close eye on your animal and pests won’t be in your hair (or your pet’s!) this winter!

Joan Perry is a writer for PestControlExperts.com, an online resource for DIY pest control. Visit PCE for more tips on keeping pests away from your pets and your home.