You love your pet and want what's best for them, and we share that same goal! To help manage your animal companion's life and health, we've provided these informative articles on general pet wellness.
From household hazards and poisonous holiday foods to seasonal safety in Central Ohio, these guides help you create a secure, healthy environment for your furry family.
Essential Household Safety for Dogs & Cats
Our homes are filled with everyday items that are harmless to humans but potentially fatal to companion animals. Here are critical safety principles every pet parent should know:
Building a Pet First-Aid Kit for Your Home
Keep these essential supplies in an accessible kit for minor injuries or emergencies:
- Self-adhesive non-stick bandages (Vetrap) and sterile gauze pads.
- Digital thermometer (normal pet body temperature is 100.5°F – 102.5°F).
- 3% Hydrogen peroxide (for veterinarian-directed induction of vomiting only!).
- Saline eyewash solution to flush dust, pollen, or irritants.
- Styptic powder or cornstarch to stop bleeding from torn toenails.
- Tweezers for safe tick removal from skin.
- Muzzle (injured, frightened pets may bite instinctively out of pain).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the normal heart rate and respiratory rate for dogs and cats?
For cats: heart rate 140–220 bpm, resting respiration 20–30 breaths/min. For dogs: heart rate 60–140 bpm (slower in large breeds, faster in toy breeds), resting respiration 15–30 breaths/min while sleeping.
How do I safely remove a tick from my pet?
Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk, and never use petroleum jelly, nail polish, or matches.