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How Veterinary Offices Can Keep Companion Animals Safe

Posted by Jessica Beaudry | Sat, Apr 29, 2017 @ 10:00 AM

veterinary officesA significant number of companion animal injuries and other health threatening incidents take place in client’s homes, outside of a veterinarian’s watch. While it is the practice of veterinary offices to provide quality care for pawed patients in a safe environment, it is crucial to discuss home safety procedures with clients to help maintain companion animal health and to extend care beyond the office. With potential health hazards lurking in every corner of client’s homes, the CrossCheck editorial team decided to review common causes of injury to produce a collection of top home safety tips.

Animal-Friendly Cleaning Products

Whether clients are sanitizing companion animal toys, removing fur from furniture or wiping paw prints off the floor, it is highly likely that cleaning agents will be involved. In an effort to create a clean home for animals, pet owners can do more harm than good. To help avoid poisoning and or irritation, veterinary offices can educate clients on the dangers of toxic cleaning products, prompting pet-safe purchases and or the use of DIY cleaners including this list of formulas by PawCulture.

Non-Toxic Gardening

veterinary officesHundreds of plant and flower varieties are poisonous to cats and dogs. Pet owners with a green thumb and or those who decorate with potted plants must know which are safe to bring into the home. During appointments, veterinary offices can offer information on plant toxicity by supplying original resources or referring clients to online guides including The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) extensive toxic and non-toxic plant list for dogs, cats and horses.  

Appropriate Toys

Many clients remain unaware that the new rope and rubber ball toy purchased for Bella could engager her life. Manufacturers may not always have animal safety in mind, producing a variety of cute and colorful choking hazards. Discussing appropriate toy size, type and material for each companion animal can significantly decrease the possibility of injury or death from toys.  

Pet CPR

veterinary officesIf a companion animal requires CPR without a veterinarian close by, clients must be able to act quickly to save the animal’s life and or stabilize them until professional help can be reached. Veterinary offices that provide demonstrations or encourage clients to take pet CPR courses can help prevent tragedies. Offices can also direct clients to educational videos such as this instructional how-to video by ProCPR.

Pet-Proof Medicine Cabinet

A bottle of Ibuprofen sitting on a kitchen counter, however unremarkable to humans, is both enticing and extremely dangerous to companion animals. Recently, CrossCheck discussed the dangers of human medications to animals, citing an infographic by DVM360 of the top 10 human medications poisonous to pets. Speaking with clients about risks and safe storage practices can prevent harm from human medicines in the home.    

Visits to Veterinary Offices

In addition to critical in-office care, veterinary appointments provide an opportunity to inform clients about a variety of potential hazards and home pet-proofing techniques. Ensuring companion animal safety largely coincides with keeping animals in excellent health. With CrossCheck, our Multiple Check service assists veterinarians in protecting pawed patients.

Our simple payment solution allows clients and pet owners to create an individualized payment plan that satisfies both parties. This plan provides pet owners additional time to fully fund their furry friend’s veterinary care by submitting 2 – 4 checks over a 30-day period. Offices will receive guaranteed funding with each deposited check, ensuring that companion animals will continue to receive care. To learn more, download our free guide.

Multiple Check Insider's Guide

Topics: Veterinarians

Written by Jessica Beaudry

Inbound Marketer at CrossCheck.