Dog Safety and Monitoring
Tips and Tools for Smart Pet Protection
At Pangel™, we believe pets are part of the family. In some cases, they may even be our favorite family members! Because we know first hand what a wonderful addition they can be to our lives, our passion is ensuring that every animal enjoys a fulfilling and comfortable life, and our goal is to provide tools and resources that help pet owners keep their furry friends healthy, happy, and safe.
That's why we've come up with this comprehensive list of tips and tools that make your life as a dog owner easier and also remind you what it means to be a responsible pet parent.
Steps to Staying Safe
As a pet owner, you've committed to providing for and protecting a precious living creature, so it helps to know where to start! The American Kennel Club advises all individuals to consider what being a responsible dog owner entails. (1)
Before getting a dog, they suggest:
Recognizing the life long commitment
Evaluating your lifestyle
Considering the qualities you want in a dog
Getting referrals for shelters, rescues, or adoption centers
Once you've made the choice, there are some basic steps that make up the foundation of being a dynamic dog owner who puts safety first!
These are excellent considerations for new dog owners or those considering adoption, but they can also serve as relevant reminders for veteran owners.
Stay Vigilant With Supervision
Dogs are social animals and love to play with children and other animals. However, it is crucial to supervise them at all times to prevent any accidents or injuries. Even the friendliest dogs can become aggressive or territorial in certain situations. Therefore, it is crucial to keep a watchful eye on your dog's behavior and intervene if necessary. It is also important to teach your children how to interact and respect all animals, along with how to approach all pets, familiar or not.
Let a Leash Be a Part of Your Routine
When taking your dog out in public places, always keep them on a leash. This will prevent them from running off or getting into fights with other dogs. Additionally, it will help you maintain control over your dog and prevent them from venturing where they could become at risk of harm like traffic or unsafe terrain.
Vets and Vaccinations
Regular visits to the veterinarian are essential to ensure your dog's health and well-being. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations and receives regular check-ups. This will help detect any health issues early on and prevent them from becoming severe. We recommend spay and neuter of your pets to control the pet population, this helps to keep the shelter population down and reduces euthanasia of great animals.
Ensure Your Dog Has ID
In case your dog gets lost, it is essential to have identification tags and a chip with your current contact information on them. This will help anyone who finds your dog to contact you and return them safely, a chip can be scanned at your local vet or dog pound. Identification tags are an incredibly effective and simple tool for increasing the chances a lost pet is returned. Don’t forget to update them if your information changes!
Consider Training
Basic obedience training is a helpful tool to prevent your dog from running into dangerous situations. Teach your dog basic commands such as "sit," "stay," and "come" to keep them under control. Obedience training is also a significant step toward building a solid bond between you and your dog.
Hide Hazardous Items Around the House
Keep potentially harmful items such as medications, cleaning products, and toxic foods or plants out of your dog's reach. Dogs are curious creatures and may ingest these items, which can be fatal.
Offer Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Dogs need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Take your dog for walks, play fetch, and provide them with toys and puzzles to keep them entertained.
Monitoring Made Easier with Tech Tools
Once you’ve established a steady safety routine, think about what you’ll do when you have to leave your home.
As a pet owner, it's natural to worry about your furry friend's safety and well-being, especially when you're not around. Fortunately, there are several pet monitoring options available that can help you keep a watchful eye on your pet.
Pangel™ App
You can protect your pet like never before with the Pangel™ app. This innovative tech tool gives you the ability to ensure your pet is cared for in case of an emergency by alerting one of your chosen pet guardians. If you ever have to leave your pet at home alone, this app is for you. It's as simple as downloading, setting up profiles for you and your pets, and choosing your guardians. If you're ever away for longer than anticipated, Pangel™ takes care of connecting your pet to its guardian.
Camera
A pet camera allows you to monitor your pet's behavior and activities remotely through a live feed. Pet cameras come in a variety of designs and features, from basic models that provide a simple video feed to more advanced models that include two-way audio, motion detection, and night vision capabilities.
Location Tracking
Another option is a GPS tracker, which can help you keep track of your pet's location and movements. GPS trackers are handy for pet parents who have adventurous pets that like to wander off or escape from their homes or yards. With a GPS tracker, you can quickly locate your pet if they get lost or stolen.
Microchip
Owners can also opt for a microchip to be implanted into their dog. The microchip doesn't track their whereabouts like a GPS tracker, but they do offer extra protection in case your dog loses its collar or tags. Most veterinarians and many animal shelters offer microchip services. The Humane Society even states that dogs with microchips are more likely to be returned than those who don't have them. (2)
Health
In addition to cameras and GPS trackers, there are also activity monitors that can track your pet's exercise and sleep patterns, as well as health metrics such as heart rate and breathing rate. These tools can provide valuable insights into your pet's behavior and health and help you address any potential issues.
Sometimes, it makes sense to have a little extra help with protecting your dog, and each of these tools amplifies your ability to ensure your dog's physical safety.
Pangel™ - The App that Provides Protection and Peace of Mind
With Pangel™, you have the ability to arrange for trusted, reliable care in the event that you, as the owner, are unable to return home to your pet. Get the invaluable peace of mind that your pet will continue to get the care it needs in your absence.
The best part is that you can have it all at your fingertips with our convenient Pangel™ app! Download it now and take advantage of the 14-day trial. In a few simple steps, you'll have a guardian angel for your pet.
Proper care and supervision are paramount to raising a healthy, happy, and safe pet. There's no one more passionate about that than those of us here at Pangel™. Consider us an important part of your pet care circle; download our app today!
"How a microchip can keep you and your pet together." The Humane Society of the United States, www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-microchip-can-keep-you-and-your-pet-together.
"75 Ways to Be a Responsible Dog Owner." American Kennel Club, 28 Sept. 2023, www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/responsible-dog-owner/.
