As we head into the dog days of summer, The Cleaning Authority has joined forces with our sister brands to put together a guide on keeping your pet safe! The Pet Safety Guide will walk you through tips on outdoor electrical and pool safety, grooming, organizing, air quality, and caring for your pet.
Authority Brands is the leading provider of in-home services, building brands that support the success of franchisees as well as better the lives of the homeowners we serve and the people we employ. These include America’s Swimming Pool Company, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, The Cleaning Authority, Homewatch CareGivers, Mister Sparky Electrical, Mosquito Squad, and One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning.
Focusing on keeping your pet safe can leave little time to keep your home clean. Let The Cleaning Authority help you with regularly scheduled cleans performed by our trained professional house cleaners. Get your free estimate today.
PET SAFETY GUIDE: Tips for In & Around the Home
Introduction:
There are few things in life comparable to the joy a pet can bring. They are our constant companions, our friends, our therapists, and our "fur-babies". We'd do anything to keep them healthy and safe. Fresh food and water, daily walks, attention, and trips to the vet are all ways we provide love and support to our pets.
But, let's "paws" for a second. With all that we do, are we really taking the absolute best care of our best friends? As a pet parent, there is a lot to keep in mind when looking after our furry loved ones.
As expert home service providers, Authority Brands has some tips and suggestions for best pet care practices, so you and Fido can spend quality time together - without having to worry.
This guide will walk you through tips on outdoor, electrical and pool safety, grooming, organized living, air quality, and caring for an animal in your golden years.
Beat the Heat: Keeping Pets Safe Outdoors
As temperatures climb, we're tempted to swing open our gates and let our pets enjoy the great outdoors. However, nicer weather usually means more hazards like severe discomfort, sun-related injury, and pest-borne diseases. Owners have a huge responsibility to keep pets safe during these warm months. Here are some tips for protecting your pets in the summer:
- High temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke. Make sure to provide cool, clean water and shade. Walk pets early in the morning or late evening when it's cooler. Hot asphalt can burn paws!
- Never leave pets in cars, even if windows are partially rolled down. Temperatures in a car can rapidly reach over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes. Leave Rover at home!
- Keep pets' coats clipped in the summer. Less fur helps keep them cool.
- Follow pet recommendations for any fertilizer, plant food, and/or insecticide applied to areas accessible to pets.
- Protect your pets from Heartworm disease, which can be fatal in dogs and cats. Heartworms are parasites carried by mosquitoes that are prolific during summer. Be sure to ask your veterinarian for options on prevention. Ticks are another common parasite active in warm weather.
- Ticks are not only annoying, but can carry very dangerous diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Ehrlichiosis.
Mosquito Squad protects against mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests that pose a danger to your loved ones and animals. Contact your local Mosquito Squad today!
Hair-Raising Tips for Optimal Grooming
Giving a dog a bath is real work! Being hosed down and scrubbed can be a stressful experience for dogs, and hauling them in and out of the bathtub can be back-breaking for owners. Not to mention messy! And what about the strain that massive amounts of pet hair put on your drains and pipes?
If you have an animal that spends a lot of time outdoors, here are some solutions to fight hair, mess, and clogged drains!
A Tub for Every Tyре
Consider designating a pet bathing station. There are a variety of portable tubs, basins, and styles of custom baths to choose from. Giving your pet a bath outside or in a container means you get to avoid hair in the tub. Large storage containers can make great tubs for larger dogs.
If you do decide to give your pets a scrub down in your bathroom, think about installing a hand-held shower wand and no-slip mats, so humans and pets have a little extra traction.
Preventing Clogged Drains
If you must wash Lassie in the bathtub, following these simple suggestions can prevent unnecessary build-up.
- Groom frequently. Brush immediately before bath time. It might be unpleasant to have your room covered in dog hair, but just think about what it could do to your pipes instead!
- Fill the bathtub. Give your animal a proper bath. Don't wash the dog without a plug in the drain.
- Use a drain filter to catch hair. If you don't have one already, make sure to use a drain cover to catch any loose hair. Have an external top stopper and a baby wipe? You can also create a homemade strainer by laying a baby wipe over the drain and pushing in the stopper to hold it in place, allowing you to fill up the tub.
If you need help with tub installation or with clogged drains from cleaning your furry friends, just reach out to your local Benjamin Franklin Plumbing!
8 Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe Around the Swimming Pool
Not every dog is a swimmer! While many of our four-legged friends were born for the water, some will sink straight to the bottom! If you have a swimming pool, you must be especially careful when watching your pets. Losing a pet to drowning is tragic, but it is also preventable. Luckily, here are some simple suggestions to keep Rover afloat.
- Not all pets are natural swimmers, so never assume they can swim. Invest in a pet life jacket. Keep an eye on your pet when they are in or near the water.
- Teach your pet where to safely enter and exit the pool. Pet friendly ladders can also be added to your pool.
- Install a safety fence around your pool.
- Add a pool alarm system. Consider purchasing a pool alarm system to make your swimming area safer. See the different types of pool alarm products and other pool safety equipment here.
- If a water injury occurs, take your pet to the vet immediately.
- Store pool chemicals in a safe area away from pet access.
- Keep your pool properly maintained. Bacteria in your pool water can make your pet sick.
For more tips on pool safety, contact the experts at America's Swimming Pool Company!
Electrical Safety and Caring for Your Pets
Electrical safety extends across the board, from humans to our pets. We should always be aware of the dangers around the house and in the yard. Part of being a responsible pet owner is knowing those potential hazards exist, where they are, and how to prevent them. Here are some rules of thumb to make sure your pets remain shock-free:
- Make sure the plugs in your outlets are secure. An exposed prong can lead to a nasty zaр.
- Some animals like to chew on power cables. Make sure your electrical cords are in good condition. Treat with bitter-tasting pet deterrents or invest in pet-proof cords. You can also wrap your cords in flexible cable or PVC.
- Don't leave your electrical appliances unattended. Turn off and unplug any electronics before you leave the room. Keep pets away from exposed lamps, especially ones with halogen bulbs.
- Block your pets from the spaces behind your computer, TV equipment or any place where numerous electrical connections are present.
- Be aware of any outdoor underground electrical or cable lines, especially if Fido likes to dig.
- Don't leave your pets out in an electrical storm. Bring them inside or move them to a safe place.
Keeping your pets safe from electrical dangers is easy - but it requires vigilance. Be sure to address any potential hazards before they result in a "cat-astrophe"! Contact your local Mister Sparky for more ways to keep you and your pet safe.
Organizing Your Pet Space
We love our pets. They are like family members and offer us much-needed love, loyalty, and comfort. It's no wonder that people with pets live longer, are less stressed, and have fewer health issues. But as much as we love them, we don't always love their stuff. Try the tips below to bring organization to your life and leave more time to enjoy your pet.
- Create a walk station. Gather all the things you need for a walk and put them in one location, preferably by the door. Use a hanging rack to easily hold leashes and collars. Hang a basket on the rack to hold waste clean-up bags and a flashlight for nighttime walks.
- Locate toy bins throughout the house. Put all the pet's toys in one bin - in multiple rooms. Place them in several rooms throughout your home where the pet spends its time.
- Store pet food and treats in reusable containers. Replace the standard packaging with something that fits into your storage shelf, such as an airtight plastic container.
- Designate a container for pet grooming items. Pet grooming can be messy. Put together a pet caddy to store the pet's brush(es), comb(s) and nail clippers, as well as any ear cleaning products, cotton balls, and shampoo.
- Position a drying station at the door. Keep wet and muddy paws under control with a washable, water-absorbing mat at the door. Buy another one to keep under your pet's food and water bowls.
It goes without saying that these organization tips will help you keep pet things tidy and organized. It can be hard, however, to keep your home clean when you have a pet. Let The Cleaning Authority help you with regularly scheduled cleans performed by our trained Professional Housecleaners. Get your free estimate today.
HVAC Care for Pet Owners
We love our furry friends, but sometimes we don't love ALL that fur and hair. If you're a pet owner, you can be certain that hair and dander are ending up in your HVAC filter, affecting your climate control system. Pet Owners: In order to maintain your HVAC system and control energy use in your home, keep the following in mind:
- Replace filters diligently. If you have one or more shedding pets in the home, you should check your HVAC filter before it's due for replacement. It's not uncommon for it to be matted and clogged with hair, skin cells, and other particles your pet produces. A qualified HVAC professional can advise you on the best filter for your system and situation.
- Clean your home regularly. One of the keys to avoiding those filter clogs is preventing most hair and dander from reaching the filter.
- Brush your pet often. Brushes designed specifically for pet hair removal make this job much easier, or you can just take your pet to the groomer every few weeks.
- Get your ducts cleaned. Have your HVAC technician inspect your ductwork to determine if duct cleaning is warranted. Removing accumulated pet dander is an important part of deodorizing your home and keeping your indoor air fresh.
- Adjust your thermostat when only pets are home. Your pets can remain safe and comfortable in a wide temperature range. You could it save energy and money by setting your temperature as low as 65 degrees in the winter and as high as 80 degrees in the summer when only pets are home.
- Fence off your outdoor AC unit. If you leave your pets unattended it in the yard, you can help keep them and your air conditioner safe by creating a breathable barrier around your outdoor unit.
Making these tips a part of your routine will help you save energy, extend the life of your HVAC system, and keep your pets safe and sound. If you're considering duct cleaning, upgrading your HVAC filter, or switching to a smart thermostat to help you save energy while you're not home, get in touch with your local One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning.
Caring For a Pet in Your Golden Years
Caring for a pet can bring new meaning to the life of a senior. Pets offer unconditional love and affection, which can help with feelings of loneliness experienced by many elderly people. Pets provide companionship and stability as their lives change.
Whether you or an elderly loved one is considering a pet, keep this in mind:
- An adopted pet should not be gifted to a senior; the senior should be an active participant in the choice. Most times, bonding occurs during pet adoption.
- A senior adopter must consider their living conditions - if they are in a condo or senior housing, they must be aware of any covenants or restrictions. The senior must be mindful of their ability to walk a dog, bend over to clean and fill food and water dishes, as well as other physical needs.
- Finances are also a consideration - can you maintain foop costs, vet visit bills, and possibly the expense of boarding?
- What type of pet is best? If a person is immobile, think about a cat or a small dog that can use pee pads and doesn't need to be walked. Senior cats and dogs are generally calmer and require less maintenance, but it's important to check if the animal has any pre-existing conditions or dramatic health issues.
Adopting a pet can be cathartic and restorative - and contribute to an improved and meaningful quality of life. Many people experience a renewed sense of purpose when taking care of an animal and might even take better care of themselves. For more information on senior living and pet ownership, please contact your local Homewatch CareGivers.
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