Give a Pet the Gift of Safety
By: Dr. Debra Primovic
Thousands of pets are victims of trauma each year. Even more pets are "lost". This holiday season provides an opportunity to give the gift of "safety". Safety is an important part of taking care of your pet and can continue to protect him all year.
Several manufactures have created products to help keep your pet safe. Let's review some of the top ones!
Puplight. This is a light that easily attaches to your collar for easy visibility. A switch on the back allows illumination of very bright LED light that shine up to 200 feet ahead. The light stays bright for up to 24 hours of use. Available from selected retailers, prices vary with size. For more information, visit www.puplight.com.
Break-Away Collar. This collar has a safety buckle that is designed to protect dogs from collar accidents and can be used securely with a leash. Dogs can get their collars caught in fences and other objects causing them to strangulate.
This collar protects against that! For more information, visit www.keepsafecollar.com.
Reflective Collar and Leash. This very good quality leash is designed using a professional grade micro-prism reflective material that is used by search and rescue and high-way construction crews. The collars and leashes cover the entire surface area of the leashes and collars with the reflective material to maximize visibility. Our safety material is rugged and does not wear off, crack or fade and most importantly brings pets the level of visibility and therefore safety they deserve. They also have a SpotMyCat --- break-away reflective collar. Available for $7.99 - $19.99. For more information, visit www.spotmydog.com.
Co-leash NightGlow with Kryptaglow. Decorate your pets with holiday lights. The Co-leash NightGlow with Kryptaglow is a collar and leash combined that reflects headlights and glows in the dark. The signature Co-Leash– as well as breakaway collars and leashes for cats and dogs can go and glow on your pets for up to 12 hours with as little as five minutes of exposure to any light source. You will never lose your pet again. Available at www.co-leash.com.
Pet Saver Life Jackets Outward Hound® Pet Saver™ Life Jackets keep pets safe on the water. Constructed of durable materials to provide buoyancy, warmth and comfort. Jackets feature adjustable straps, quick-release buckles and heavy-duty Velcro® to keep securely fastened. Convenient handle on top allows for easy rescues. The bright orange design provides maximum visibility, also includes reflective strips. Prices range from $22.99 to $38.99. Available at, http://thepamperedpooch.com/lifepreservers.htm and www.youractivepet.com.
Reflective Jackets. Perfect for walking, jogging, hunting and every outdoor activity with pets. Fluorescent orange color with reflective tape provides maximum visibility. Keeps pet safe and easy to spot. Outward Hound Reflecti-Vest™. Available at http://thepamperedpooch.com/lifepreservers.htm and www.youractivepet.com. from $49.95 to $69.95.
Microchips. Microchips are small silicon chips that can be inserted under the skin in almost any animal, including cats, dogs, horses, reptiles, birds and small mammals. The chip stores a numeric ID code that can identify lost pets. If your pet gets lost, a handheld scanner – like the ones used at store checkout counters – can read the identification information in the chip and help reunite you with your pet. Veterinarians say these tiny chips are safe, and they dramatically increase the chances of finding lost pets. See your veterinarian for details.
