Keeping Family Pets Safe at the Pool

When planning for swimming pool safety, it is important to also think of family pets. One of the surest ways to prevent accidents involving pets is to always keep the swimming pool gated or closed off from the yard. When you decide to introduce your pet to the pool, follow some basic guidelines to be sure that there are no safety issues.

Provide Clean Water
Be sure that when your pets are enjoying the pool, they also have plenty of clean water to enjoy. Providing fresh water will help to discourage them from drinking the chlorinated water, which could cause illness and vomiting. Monitor your pet closely to be sure they do not try to drink the water or eat bugs from the swimming pool.

Consider a Life Vest
Many dogs enjoy the water, but may get tired easily. If you plan to let your dog swim with you, it’s a good idea to invest in a life vest that will fit snugly and provide good support for your dog in the water. A life vest, usually made of soft foam, can help them to stay afloat easier. It is also a good precaution if your pet is hanging out by the pool with you.

Keep Them Close By
Never allow your pet to swim unattended or spend time near the pool without supervision. Even if your dog is a good swimmer, it is possible for the dog to tire out and drown without being able to get out of the pool. Always be close by so that you can see when your dog needs to get out of the water and help them to exit the pool. Some pool owners may choose to use a specially designed pet ramp to provide another way for a pet to get out of the pool.

Filed Under: Parents Needs Tagged With: , , ,

Introducing Your Dog to the Pool

Rock Pool. An Ocean pool in Sydney, New South ...
Image via Wikipedia

Many dogs love the water and are good swimmers. This is great exercise and great fun for dog and owner alike, as long as good safety precautions are followed at all times. It is important to take care in introducing your dog to the water so that he will not fear the water and know that it is okay to play.

Start with a Pool
A private swimming pool is the best place to start out with your dog. There are no other people, obstacles, or currents to worry about and your dog can explore the water peacefully with your undivided attention.

Go Slowly
Take your time when you introduce your dog to the swimming pool. Some dogs don’t like the water and it may take some time for them to be comfortable standing in the pool. Chances are you will already know if you have a dog that dislikes bathtime and may fear the pool too. Let your dog stand in shallow water and step around on his own at first. Your dog may splash in the water and this is a great sign that he is getting used to the new surroundings.

Offer Praise
Praise your dog with attention and pets as he plays in the water and continue this action each time he comes into the water. This will show your dog that the water is safe and that you want him to explore it.

Go Further
Once your dog is feeling comfortable in shallow water, you can gauge the best way to proceed. Some dogs will begin to paddle out on their own and you can throw a ball for them to bring back to the shallow end. This is a great way to help them explore their new skill in a controlled environment with a goal. Other dogs may need to be carried further in to know that it’s safe. Introducing your dog to swimming can be a great gift.

Filed Under: Medical Care, Need to Know Tagged With: , , ,

Cautions For Your Dog at the Pool

Keeping your family dog safe at the swimming pool can have a lot in common with keeping small children safe. It is important to closely monitor their swimming and their behavior to be sure they are safe in the pool. Older dogs may also tire quickly from swimming and it is important to keep a close eye on them throughout your time outside.

Watch The Heat
Dogs can overheat very easily in the hot sun, the area in and around the pool tends to get even more sunlight than the yard. Be sure to provide plenty of fresh water for your pet while they are outside and take periodical breaks to encourage them to drink. It’s also smart to set a timer for a reasonable amount of time so that you take your dog inside to cool off and rest before he becomes overtired or dehydrated.

Be Careful of Chlorine
A heavily chlorinated pool can irritate your dogs eyes and cause them to become red and ooze. Your best line of defense is to keep your pet away from the water when you have just chlorinated. To fend off regular damage from chlorine, rinse your pets coat immediately after getting out the pool. This will remove excess chlorine and prevent skin irritation or an upset stomach from licking it off later on.

Consider an Alarm
Some dogs will find a way to get through even a strong gate and fence. Pet owners may consider a floating alarm for the pool. This device sits on the water and will go off if it senses movement. An alarm will ring in the house to alert you that someone is in the pool. This can be a smart decision for anyone with children and pets, or anyone who lives in a neighborhood where pets and children could find a way into the pool area when no one is around.

Filed Under: Emergencies, Need to Know Tagged With: , , ,

Helping Your Child Handle a New Pet

Helping a small child learn to get along with a new family pet can be a joyful time for your family. It an also be a challenge as you test the waters of this new relationship and help both child and pet to navigate this new friendship.

Provide Information
Teach your child through conversations or picture books about caring for a pet and about the animal. They can learn about what the animal likes to eat and what they like to do. You can also let the child help select the perfect name for your new family member. Talk about where the pet will sleep and what responsibilities the family will have in taking care of the pet. These preparations will help prepare the child for the new family member and create anticipation rather than fear.

Introduce in a Calm Setting
When your pet comes home, find a quiet time for the pet and child to meet. This will help discourage wild behavior on both their parts. Be sure you can be right there to keep an eye on things and help the pet and child to meet and get to know each other under good terms. Have your child offer a treat to the pet to feel connected and to show the pet that this is a nice person.

Teach gentle behaviors
Teach the child to let the new pet smell his or her hand and then gently pet the animal. Be sure that the pet stays calm and if you see your pet getting upset, take a break. Encourage your child when he or she acts nicely and encourage the pet when they are kind to the child. Positive reinforcement on both sides will go a long way in forging a good relationship between your child and your new pet.

Filed Under: Emergencies Tagged With: , , ,

Putting Together an Emergency Kit for Your Pool

A few basic emergency items should always be kept at close reach when you and your family are spending time at your backyard swimming pool. Having a well stocked emergency kit in your pool house or shed will help keep everyone safe all summer long.

Rescue Gear
For swimming emergencies, a rescue rope and a life preserver ring should always be close at hand. Teach your children that these are tools and not toys. Floats and pool toys can go in the pool, but these things only go in the pool when someone needs help. It is important for all family members and guests to your pool to understand the rules about these devises. A CPR kit with a face shield and rescue breather is essential to have on hand by your swimming pool, especially if you have children swimming in your pool.

First Aid
A fully stocked first aid kit should include various types of bandages, gauze, cleansing wipes, and compresses. An antihistamine for allergic reactions and an itch fighter for bug bites are also good to have on hand. If any of your children have bee sting allergies or use an inhaler for breathing, always have the appropriate gear with you when spending time around the pool.

Helpful Additions
A few added pieces of your safety kit can help make swimming more pleasant for everyone. Sunscreen is very important and its worth keeping it with you for frequent reapplications, even waterproof sunscreen can come off in the pool and needs to be reapplied frequently to be effective. Goggles are a good thing for anyone who swims underwater, but especially for children with sensitive eyes. Ear plugs are another helpful thing to have on hand for children who may be very susceptible to swimmer’s ear and ear infections caused by water.

Filed Under: Emergencies, First Aid Tagged With: , ,

Putting Together an Emergency Kit for Your Car

There are some basic necessities that every driver should keep in the car in case of emergencies. These are some of the things to consider keeping in your vehicle broken down into some essential categories.

Food and Water
For food, you will want high-calorie energy bars or protein bars that will be able to withstand the extreme temperatures of your car without spoiling. Avoid salty foods that will make you more thirsty and focus on what will give you energy if you should ever find yourself stranded in your vehicle. Water is extremely important to any emergency kit and even more critical than food for survival. Depending on what you can store in your car, opt for several water bottles or larger jugs of water.

Warmth and Light
Always have some warm blankets in your car for emergencies. These can be folded and easily stored in the trunk or under a seat. You may also want some warm packs in the kit or glove compartment for keeping hands and feet warm and some spare winter gear and rain gear for bad weather.

A flashlight or light sticks can be used as sources of light. These will be important to help signal your presence to others on the road if you are ever stranded along the shoulder. Road flares can be kept in the car for use as signals, but not for other sources of light.

First-Aid and Tools
A first-aid kit should always be kept up to date in the car. This should include gauze, bandages, cleansing pads, and any special things required by your family members. Paper towels, duct tape, scissors, and toilet paper can also be good to have in an emergency.

A tool kit should include some multipurpose tools, as well as an ice scraper and snow shovel for winter weather. Jumper cables are another good thing to have on hand in an emergency and can easily be stored in the car.

Filed Under: Emergencies Tagged With: , , ,

Keeping Your Pet Safe in an Emergency

When you put together an emergency plan for your family, it is important to also consider your family pets and where they would go in these situations. Planning for pets requires some additional planning, but will ensure that your entire family stays safe in case of a disaster.

Identification
The most important thing you can do for your pet’s safety is to be sure his identification tags are up to date and that he is always wearing his collar with identification. If your pet is micro-chipped, be sure that all of the information is up to date so you can be found if you are ever separated in an emergency. If you have advance warning, keep your pet with you so that you can find him if you need to evacuate your home or seek shelter in the cellar.

Preparedness in the Home
Be sure to have enough water in your emergency kit for all of your pets and a good supply of their food. Keep these in the cellar or wherever you would go in the case of a tornado or other disaster that keeps you locked down in your home. Keep all of your pets medications and supplies in an easy-to-find place.

Boarding Options
Many shelters do not take pets if you are forced to evacuate your home. Your best option is to find pet-friendly hotels or motels outside your immediate area and keep a list of their locations and numbers if you need to make a last-minute reservation with one of them. You can also keep a list of potential boards or a veterinarian outside your immediate area who might be able to keep your pet if you had to leave. People with relatives in a good location can also consider making plans to stay with them or to leave their pets in their care in an emergency.

Filed Under: Emergencies, Medical Care Tagged With: , , ,

Making a Pet Emergency Kit

Putting together a portable emergency kit for your pets can be an easy way to ensure their safety in the case of a disaster. An emergency kit should be compact enough that you can easily take it with you in an evacuation, but large enough to accommodate some basics.

Basic Supplies
Your pet’s carrying case or crate should be in a consistent location so it is always easy to find in a hurry. Have a leash read and an extra one packed in the emergency kit. Pack containers of food for each of your pets–having their regular diet can help to keep them happy during a stressful situation. Be sure you have enough water for your entire family, animals included. If food requires a can opener, be sure to take one along.

Medical Gear
Have all of your pets’ medications and a first aid kit including gauze and bandages. Keep your pets’ medical records and immunization records in a safe place and take them with you in case they need medical attention at any point.

Information
Pack current photographs of your pets in case they should get lost. You will also want to have phone numbers for vets and emergency contacts with you. Have a written up list of your pets’ needs, food, and any special details about care in case you need to leave them in a kennel or with a veterinarian during an evacuation.
d the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.

Extras
If your pet is attached to their sleeping space and you have space to pack a pet bed, you may want to take it along for comfort. A favorite toy for each animal can be a big comfort during a tough time in their lives.

Filed Under: Emergencies, First Aid, Parents Needs Tagged With: , ,

Helping a Worried Child Handle Emergency Preparedness

Some children are natural worriers the same way that other children are naturally quiet or naturally athletic. When you are raising a child who tends to worry about bad situations, it can be tough to know how to talk about disasters and emergency preparedness. Still, it is important to have discussions and find ways to calm fears through information.

Have a Plan
You may worry about upsetting a worried child with details about an emergency plan, but many worriers feel better when they know that the adults in their life have thought things through and know how to take care of them in an emergency. Go over the details of your plan and what you would do in each situation. Go over the roles of each family member and what things the child is responsible for during an emergency (eg: getting to safety, finding a parent or trusted adult).

Answer Questions
Encourage your child to ask questions about different types of emergencies or what would happen in a situation. If you don’t know the answer, you can look for it together and learn more about what you would do. It is important for you both to answer questions and know how to act in a disaster. When a child has their questions answered, they often begin to relax and feel ready for any situation they may face in the future.

Discuss the Odds
It is important to remind all children, especially worried children, that we make emergency plans and hope that we never have to use them. In fact, most people who make plans will never find themselves in a situation where they need to use it. Plans are made to keep us safe just in case. You can use funny examples to stress the odds of things happening and help your child to feel better about the idea of the plan.

Filed Under: Emergencies, Medical Care, Need to Know Tagged With: , , ,

Explaining Evacuation to Children

Explaining the possibility of an emergency evacuation to small children can seem like a daunting task for parents. It can be hard to explain in terms that make sense without scaring them or causing added stress for children and parents alike. Still, it’s important to be honest and clear with children and provide them with the right amount of information for their current age and maturity level.

Understanding Disasters
Use children’s books to explain the idea of thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. There are many great options out there that will do a good job explaining what happens. You can also talk about which disasters are things that they probably will never see and which are more common, but can sometimes be harmless (like a thunderstorm).

Discuss Preparedness
Be sure that children understand that parents make plans for these situations to keep everyone safe and that there are lots of other people, like rescue workers, whose job is to help families in emergencies. We make plans not because we think bad things will happen, but because they can help keep everyone safe if something does.

Be Clear
Things that seem obvious to adults can be the missing piece for small children. Be sure to explain clearly that evacuations and disasters are temporary. You’re leaving until things are safe again and then you can come home. It can be tough for children to understand time, so be patient as they struggle to grasp what two weeks equates to in their mind, or how long it will be until they can return home. Evacuations are stressful for everyone, but for children who don’t fully understand what is happening, they can be extremely scary. Reassure and then reassure again that disasters are bad, but usually happen quickly and are over. Things will be normal again.

Filed Under: Emergencies, Prevention Tagged With: , , ,
« Older Posts
Newer Posts »