July 8, 2024

July is National Pet Fire Safety Month

The U.S. Fire Administration keeps statistics on residential fires. For the latest year on record, the US saw 374,300 fires, making this a fairly common danger that everyone needs to plan for.

We especially need to plan ahead for how to rescue and care for our pets in the event of a fire (or any emergency requiring evacuation). Animals won’t know how to safely leave, and they certainly can’t follow a home emergency plan. Here are four pet fire safety tips:

1. Get a rescue alert sticker: Place these stickers on a front-facing window or glass door. This will alert rescue workers of the presence of pets. Get one from the ASPCA.
2. Arrange a safe haven: Plan for a place for pets to stay if you have to evacuate.
3. Make an emergency kit: Include the items your pet needs on a day-to-day basis. See what should be included here.
4. Make identifying your pet easy: Keep identification on your pet and have them microchipped, in case they escape during an emergency.

Pet Fire Safety in the News

A recent story out of Colorado Springs highlights that prevention is the best way to ensure pet fire safety. Here are the details:

“Authorities have released a video of a dog starting a house fire by turning on the stove in the middle of the night. The incident happened when a Colorado couple awoke to a high heat alert from their Apple HomePod last week, only to find a fire blazing in their kitchen. Colorado Springs firefighters responded to the fire in the early morning hours of June 26. Investigators discovered the surprising cause of the blaze after reviewing home security footage. The video shows the couple’s curious pup inspecting the stove and accidentally turning it on, which ignited some boxes on top. Fortunately, the owners were able to extinguish the flames, and the man was treated for smoke inhalation.”

Watch the video here.

Thankfully, this incident wasn’t any worse than it was. But watching that dog try to get the food boxes sitting on the stove is scary. It’s a reminder for all pet owners that fire safety is a 24/7 occupation. Of course, those boxes should never have been placed on the stovetop. But what other lessons can we learn and apply in our own homes? Take a walk around your home with your “safety goggles” on and see if you spot any areas for improvement.

For more information, check out “Animal Disaster Preparedness.” Happy July… and stay safe out there!

July 1, 2024

Summer is the Top Season for Lost Pets.
Keep Yours Safe and Sound

While many of us know that more pets go missing on July 4th than any other day of the year, the entire summer season carries risk for your pet to escape or become lost. People and their pets are spending more time outside, traveling together and hosting gatherings. With these changes in routine, your pet has more opportunity than usual to slip away.

The #1 step you can take for your pet is to get them microchipped and keep your microchip listing up-to-date with current contact information. This advice goes for dogs and cats, alike!

Let’s review 15 other steps to prevent a lost pet this summer.

Prevent a Lost Pet:
5 Steps to Take Outside

Your outdoor oasis is only complete when your pet can safely venture outside with you!

1. Check your fences to make sure there’s no place your dog can escape. Our clever canines can sneakily dig holes under the fence, or boards can become loose.
2. If your let your cat outside, supervise them. It only takes one accident or predator for a roaming cat to go missing.
3. With the rise in coyotes around the Cincinnati area, an invisible fence may present a safety risk to your dog. Plus, some dogs are determined enough to endure the shock and break through the barrier.
4. Leash your dog or cat if you’re going to spend time with them in an un-fenced area like the front porch. You never know when something may grab their attention or frighten them, causing them to bolt.
5. If there’s a likelihood of fireworks in the area, keep your pets inside, with the doors and windows securely closed.

Prevent a Lost Pet:
5 Steps to Take When Traveling

Vacationing with your pet can be fun for everyone! It’s important to prioritize safety, because reuniting with a lost pet far away from home is especially difficult.

1. Put together a car emergency kit for your pet, which includes leash, food, water bowl, water and important medications. An extra leash it important just in case your car breaks down (or your pet has to “go” unexpectedly during the drive).
2. Always bring a pet carrier on trips, so you can safely contain your pet whenever your attention isn’t on them, for instance, stopped at gas stations or checking into a hotel.
3. Plan for water safety at the beach or on a boat. Put a properly-sized life jacket on your pet, keep them leashed and always supervise them. It’s not uncommon for dogs to go missing around water, and we want to prevent tragedies.
4. Don’t leave your pet unattended in a car! Even on a pleasant day, the heat can quickly be fatal. Plus, someone may have rescued your pet while you were away. See our article “Danger Zone: How to Help Pets in Hot Cars.”
5. If you’re staying at a rental home with a fenced-in area, thoroughly check for any place your pet might escape. Don’t leave them unsupervised out there, because it’s not a familiar place to either of you.

Prevent a Lost Pet:
5 Steps to Take When Hosting a Party

For many, having friends and family over is a true summer tradition. And the season is filled with holidays perfect for parties. Follow these tips for keeping your pet from escaping in all the excitement.

1. Constantly opening and closing doors are a big temptation to cats and dogs alike. Alert guests to watch for your pet and enter and exit quickly, along with firmly closing the door behind them.
2. The same advice goes for outside gates. Keep an eye on your gates to make sure they are closed.
3. If things get noisy, pets may try to escape the chaos. Give your pets a designated safe place where they can get some peace and quiet. Perhaps make one room of your home off-limits to people.
4. Check in with your pet regularly. You’ll be able to gauge their mood and attitude, along with making sure they are still safe.
5. If you’re having a difficult time keeping track of your pet, feel free to keep them on a leash by your side. They may also find this comforting.

For more tips on pet prevention, visit our article “National Lost Pet Prevention Month.” And if you’re interested in learning more about microchipping your cat or dog, contact us.

June 10, 2024

Sunny Days are Here Again: Review What to Do (and Don’t) for Pet Health

Your pets want to enjoy an amazing summer with you. We at Companion Care Animal Hospital want to help everyone out with these simple tips. Here are the DO’s and DON’Ts of summer safety.

DO: Summer Safety Tips for Pets

Follow these tips for helping your pet enjoy a safe and happy summer.

• Provide pets with cool, fresh water at all times
• Keep pets up-to-date on vaccinations and medications
• Keep pets indoors in air-conditioning during the heat of the day
• Walk your dogs early in the morning or late in the day, when temperatures are cooler
• Limit jogging and bicycling with your dog
• Apply a zinc-free sunscreen to pets with little to no hair

DON’T: Summer Safety Tips for Pets

Avoid these dangerous and risky things!

• Leave pets unattended in cars!
• Leave dogs outdoors unattended
• Let pets near gardening products, pesticides or fertilizers
• Walk dogs on hot sidewalks or asphalt that burns their paws
• Leave pets outside during fireworks’ displays
• Exercise pets without providing water frequently

Hot Asphalt Awareness

We want to call special attention to hot asphalt, and how dangerous it is for a pet’s paws and overheating risk.

At 125 degrees F, skin destruction can occur in 60 seconds. An egg can fry in five minutes at 131 degrees F. Please, keep your pets off asphalt, even in “nice” weather.

Avoid a “Hot Dog Summer!” Visit our Summer Pet Safety Resources for more guidance on keeping things cool in the months to come.

July 26, 2023

It’s been a record-setting hot month here in Cincinnati. Pets need special protection against high temperatures.

The SPCA of Texas has plenty of experience with the heat (a week ago, the US National Weather Service baked cookies in a Midland, TX parked car). Let’s take some guidance and follow these tips.

How to Prevent Heat Stroke

• Always provide plenty of fresh, clean water for your pet. This is especially important both before and after walks (or anytime spent outside).
• If you’re outside, spend time in shade as much as possible.
• Limit the time you spend outside during the heat of the day. Mornings and evenings are cooler (for you and your pet!)
• Keep pet’s paws off of the pavement, either by choosing grassy areas or putting booties on their paws.
• Don’t bring your pet to pet-friendly outdoor restaurants on hot days. Patios heat up, and your dog is closer to the ground. If you do go, bring your own water bowl.
• Let the AC run in your car for a few minutes before climbing in with your pet.
• Never, ever leave your pet in a car without the AC running

Check out more Summer Safety Tips for Your Pets.

July 10, 2023

We Celebrated America’s Birthday.
Now, Let’s Celebrate America’s Pets

July 11 is All-American Pet Photo Day! Let’s see what some of the cats and dogs of Instagram are up to.

All-American #Dogsofinstagram

@houseofpawshion – Baby you’re a Firework 🎇.

@andy.theyorkie – One Nation Under God 🇺🇸 Happy 4th of July! 🎇

@vearil2014 – Happy Fourth of July 🇺🇸 ❤️🤍💙🎆🎇

@poochini.the.mini.goldendoodle – Pawty for america! 👅🇺🇸🎉

All-American #Catsofinstagram

@catrescuer13 – Please keep your pets safe this 4th of July!

@houstonhomestead_ – A patriotic city kitty 🇺🇸🎆

@sweetlilpics_by_ashley – @halfwayhomerescue calendar coming

@evelyn_schlick – Baxter is ready for birthday cake!

Looks like these pups and kitties celebrated in style! Hope you enjoy your summer with your p-awesome pets!

May 24, 2023

Get Out & About with Your Furry Friends!

Check out these three activities for outdoor fun all summer long. There are plenty of date options to fit your schedule. We just love pet-friendly events!

Dogs & Doughnuts at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park

Enjoy a stroll through the 300+ acres of beautiful Pyramid Hill Sculpture park with your pup! Plus, enjoy light refreshments (like doughnuts!) and a special craft activity each date.

Price: Included with Park admission (Free for members, non-members are up to $10/person)

• June 3: Joni Fleming will draw complementary caricatures of you and your pup(s)
• July 1: Craft activity TBA
• August 5: Craft activity TBA
• October 1: Adoption event with Animal Friends Humane Society

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park
1763 Hamilton Cleves Road
Hamilton, OH 45013

Learn more about Dogs & Doughnuts…

Party on the Patio at At the Barn Winery

Saturdays from 7-9:30 PM, bring your family and pets to to this Lawrenceburg, IN winery for an outdoor music festival, featuring  different artists each evening. Bring a picnic and enjoy a wine tasting. Here are a few of the musical acts on the schedule:

• June 3: Mark Scheper, Trop Rock, Beach Boys
• June 10: Josh Wells, Acoustic Classical Country
• June 17: Ethan Hopper, covers and originals
• June 24: Boomerang, cello, guitar and violin trio covers 70s-90s

At the Barn Winery
4152 N Dearborn Road
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025

Learn more about Party on the Patio…

Check Out a Dog-Friendly Park

Plan your own special outing with your dog at one of these Cincinnati-area dog-friendly parks.

• Smale Riverfront Park: Enjoy the downtown riverfront with your leashed dog. There’s plenty of shade and places to take a break.
• Otto Armleder Dog Park: Get off leash at this 10-acre fenced dog park. Plus, it’s free.
• Washington Park Dog Park: Washington Park, across from Music Hall, offers a fenced-in dog play space. It features a water feature, cement and artificial turf (so no mud!)
• Sharon Woods Park: Hike beautiful trails with your leashed pet. There are plenty of wooded and lakeside areas.
• Simmonds Family Dog Park: A park designed just for dogs! Four fenced-in areas for small dogs, large dogs, agility and all dogs.

Summer is almost here! Let’s make the most of it!

August 9, 2022

From Artsy to Zany, See What’s Happening in the Cincinnati Area

Looking to get out of the house to do something fun? We’ve found these unique and interesting gatherings in the Cincinnati area.

Make a Blown Glass Pet Bowl

Neusole Glassworks is a glass art studio open to the public, located in Forest Park. They cater to all ages and skill levels.

Join glass blowing artists as they guide you in making a beautiful bowl for your pet’s water or food. There’s even an option to emblazon your pet’s name on the bowl! This event runs through August 2022.

Learn More About this Event… 

Paint Your Pet to Look Like Harry Potter

MadTree Brewing in Oakley hosts this Harry-Potter themed event. Enjoy craft beer while a professional artist guides you in painting a one-of-a-kind likeness of your pet.

You’ll submit your pet’s photo ahead of time, and an artist will sketch it on canvas. The event is Saturday, August 20, 2022.

Learn More About this Event…

Bark in the Park: Bring Your Dog to a Reds’ Game

Bring your best bud to Great American Ballpark for a memorable game! Enjoy pregame activities (and maybe a hot dog). Remaining Bark in the Park games are August 16 and September 12.

Learn More About this Event…

Get Your Dachshunds Ready!

It’s time to register your dachshund for Oktoberfest Zinzinnati’s Running of the Wieners. Registration is limited to 100 dogs, so hurry! The race is September 16, 2022 and is always popular.

Learn More and Register…

May 10, 2022

Celebrate Your Pet All Month Long!

It’s National Pet Month, and your pet deserves the best! Think back on all the ways your pet has enriched your life– being there for you when you need a friend, all the cute antics, making you laugh and smile.

So, pack your month with a celebration of your pet! Here are 31 ideas for the month of May.

Get Ready for Some Quality Time with Your Pet

1. Bake treats for your pet. Here’s a recipe for Easy peanut butter pumpkin dog biscuits
2. Not into baking? Check out these local pet bakeries
3. Let your cat join the adventure. Look into leash training your cat
4. Health is important. Make sure your pets are up-to-date on their immunizations
5. Get creative with a photo shoot– show off your pet’s favorite places and activities. Here are some photo ideas from Instagram
6. Plant some catnip in your garden for a special treat
7. Find a new pet-friendly hiking trail. Here are Cincinnati’s favorite
8. Hang a bird feeder outside a window your pet enjoys looking out
9. Protect your pet. Get ready for flea and tick season
10. Get out a lawn sprinkler or kiddie pool for your water-loving pooch
11. Get your pet a spiffy new custom collar. Check these Etsy listings
12. Watch TV and snuggle! (You probably do this every day anyway!)
13. Bonus if you let your pet watch a nature documentary with lots of great animal sounds
14. Give your pet a spa day– if they don’t mind baths and brushing!
15. Know the signs of an emergency: How to Know if Your Pet Needs Emergency Care
16. Have a dance party with some of your favorite music
17. Go to a dog-friendly sporting event, like the Reds Bark in the Park
18. Take your dog to a new dog park
19. Have a pet-friendly picnic in the backyard with a pet-treat charcuterie board
20. Get a new toy and then play with it together
21. Dump ALL the toys out on the floor and have a BIG play session
22. Have a treat hunt– hide some treats around the house for your pet to find
23. Search for “cat app” or “dog app” on your phone. There are some fun options out there like a game for your cat or a dog bark translator
24. Take a nap together (this will probably be you and your pet’s favorite of the whole list)
25. Plan a pet-friendly weekend getaway on Airbnb
26. Make a list of 10 reasons you love your pet
27. Arrange a pet play date with a friend
28. Print out pictures of your pet and hang them around your home
29. Give your pet a massage. Here are some instructions
30. Tell your pet you love them!
31. Share the love with rescue animals by donating to a shelter. We suggest Animal Friends Humane Society and Animal Adoption Foundation

Enjoy National Pet Month! We know you’ll have just as much fun spending time with your pet as they will!

July 19, 2021

What Better Time than the Dog Days of Summer to Understand the Signs and Dangers of Dehydration?

On a normal day, your cat or dog should drink one ounce of water per pound of body weight. So, a nine-pound cat should drink nine ounces, and a 35-pound dog should drink 35 ounces. On hotter days, or if your pet is more active, they should drink more.

PetSafe has a great pet hydration infographic that shows how many “glasses” of water pets should drink.

Signs of Dehydration in Cats and Dogs

Dehydration is serious for animals and can ultimately result in death. Know the symptoms of dehydration:

• Loss of appetite
• Loss of energy
• Sunken eyes
• Depression
• Panting
• Dry, tacky gums
• Vomiting

What to Do if You Suspect Your Dog or Cat is Dehydrated

Perform the skin test and call your veterinarian if your suspect dehydration. Here’s how to do it:

1. Gently grab a loose fold of skin on the back of the neck or in between the shoulder blades, and release
2. If the skin snaps back into place, your pet should be OK. It the skin slowly returns to place, your pet could be dehydrated and may need to be checked out.

Certainly, prevention is the best approach to dehydration. Always make sure your pet has easy access to fresh, clean water. Enforce rest time after playing or spending time outside, so your pet becomes aware they should drink. And pay attention to how much your pet is drinking by observing how often you need to refill their water bowl.

Have questions about dehydration and your pets? Contact us.

June 29, 2021

Most of us are making plans to make the most of Summer 2021, and let’s include our pets in the fun. Check out these events that you can enjoy together.

For the Classical-Music-Loving Pet

The Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra and SPCA Cincinnati stream classical music into your home during this one-hour virtual event.

“The Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra will surely get a round of paws filled with woofs and meows for incredible performances as we return once again to the SPCA Cincinnati! For four weeks, the CCO will fill SPCA with the sounds of classical music which research has proven benefits pets with improved sleep, reduced barking, improved ability to cope with psychological stressors and much more. Catered to the ears of SPCA’s dogs and cats, there will be live string and woodwind instrumentalists to soothe their homeless animals’ souls!”

DATES: July 6 & July 20
TIME: 1PM
LOCATION: Online Event

Click here for more info on CCO + SPCA Summer Barkestra Concert Series

For Dogs Who Prefer to Rock

Anderson Park District’s Beech Acres Park sponsors this live music festival on Thursdays. Bands include HiFi Honey, The Remains and The Pac.

Please note that dogs are welcome if you follow these rules:

“Attention Dog Owners: Dogs are only permitted in the top half of the oval/event area. Dogs must be leashed and remain under control of the owner at all times.”

DATES: July 1, July 8 & July 15
TIME: 7PM
LOCATION: Beech Acres Park

Click here for more info on Concerts in the Park

Patriotic Road Trip to Lebanon, OH

Celebrate Independence Day in Lebanon with this pet-friendly Dog Days of Summer event. Get a free patriotic photo of your dog and enjoy ice cream treats.

DATE: July 3
TIME: 11AM – 2PM
LOCATION: ERA Lebanon Cafe, Lebanon, OH

Click here for more info on Dog Days of Summer

Help Out Pets in Need

Stop by SPCA Cincinnati to donate pet items and help out animals in need. Donated items will be available to communities through the Chow Now Pantry Food Truck that will visit various pop up locations in the Greater Cincinnati area.

“We are still taking your charitable donations for pet parents! The public health crisis has placed a financial strain on families, and one of the most critical resources for every community is access to food. The SPCA looks to fill-in the gap for pet parents who need assistance.”

DATES: July 17, 18 & 31, Aug 1, 21 & 22
TIME: 12PM – 3PM
LOCATION: SPCA Cincinnati

Click here for more info on Chow Down Pantry