Outdoor Pet Safety

First and foremost, don’t let your pets roam the neighborhood! They are at risk for being hit by a car, getting attacked by another animal, and more. Walk your dog on a leash and/or exercise your pets in a fenced yard. Make sure your fence is sturdy and there are no holes through which your pets can escape. Make sure your fence is high enough to keep your pet from jumping or climbing out. An electric fence may keep your dog in but won’t keep other animals out. Don’t chain or tie your pets outside without supervision. An unsupervised pet … Continue reading

Cocoa Mulch Warning

The next time you’re shopping for garden supplies, you may notice something called Cocoa Mulch. The good thing is that Cocoa Mulch smells like chocolate! The bad thing is that it can be dangerous to your pets. Veterinarians say that cats are less likely than dogs to eat the cocoa-scented mulch, but the product can (in extreme cases) be dangerous for both dogs and cats. The problem ingredient in Cocoa Mulch is the same thing that makes your dog or cat sick if they eat chocolate — theobromine. Theobromine is a caffeine-like chemical found most strongly in dark chocolate and … Continue reading