07/15/2025
Powder Ridge Post, July 2025
National Pet Fire Safety Day
National Pet Fire Safety Day is July 15th. According to the American Red Cross, home fires are the most common disaster they respond to, and the most preventable. The best way to protect your pets from the effects of a fire is to include them in your family plan. This includes having their own disaster supplies kit as well as arranging in advance for a safe place for them to stay if you need to leave your home. When you practice your escape plan, practice taking your pets with you. In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them too. But remember, never delay escaping or endanger yourself or your family to rescue a family pet.
The National Fire Protection Association estimates that nearly 1,000 home fires each year are accidentally started by the homeowners’ pets. The American Kennel Club and ADT Security Services have joined forces to provide the following tips:
• Extinguish Open Flames – Pets are curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.
• Protect Stove K***s – Be sure to remove stove k***s or protect them with covers before leaving the house. A stove or cook top is the number one piece of equipment involved in your pet starting a fire.
• Invest in Flameless Candles – These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle. Cats are notorious for starting fires when their tails overturn a lit candle.
• Help Firefighters help your pets – Affix a pet alert window cling to a front window and write down the number of pets inside your home. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets, so remember to keep the number of pets listed on them updated.
• Install and maintain smoke alarms in your home, and if you have a security system, make sure it alerts you or the local fire department in case of a fire.
July is Pet Hydration Awareness Month
Signs that your pet is dehydrated can include dry or tacky gums, panting, thick saliva, sunken eyes, and even vomiting. Early warning signs of dehydration can include lethargy, loss of appetite, weakness, and loss of skin elasticity. Severe chronic dehydration cases can cause mobility issues and can even be fatal.
To help your pet stay well hydrated, ensure they always have access to clean, fresh water. Canned food naturally contains more moisture than dry kibble, making it a good way to boost your pet’s hydration. Some pets enjoy licking ice cubes or frozen treats made with water and pet-safe ingredients like low sodium broth or pureed fruits like watermelon or blueberries. If you are traveling with your pet, it’s a good idea to bring a bowl and extra water with you so it can be offered to them.
On the other end of the spectrum is water intoxication. If your pet is constantly exposed to bodies of water or garden hoses, this can cause issues too. Everything in moderation!
