Posts in Category: Pet Safety

The holidays are approaching, and that means it’s time to start shopping for the pets in your life. With so many toys on the market today, choosing which ones are best can be challenging.

Here’s a list of trending pet toys sure to delight the furry friends in your life.

Most dogs enjoy the great outdoors, a fact not lost on owners that recreate throughout the year. While they may relish long walks, some pups just aren’t equipped to handle a 10-mile trek through the woods (especially in extreme weather). Their capabilities and endurance should always inform the decision to go hiking with your dog, and special consideration for their health and safety is essential. Virginia is simply chock-full of outdoor destinations to share with your best bud, and we have a few suggestions to help with your plans. 

While most humans know that maintaining a healthy blood pressure is important for their overall health, few of us recognize that this vital parameter is important for animals as well. Godspeed Animal Care recommends checking blood pressure in pets periodically because deviations from normal can have serious impacts on our patient’s overall well being. 

Did you know the most common reason behind a pet emergency is an accidental exposure to a toxin? The list of potential toxins in your home is longer than you might think. So, how do pet owners stay in front of the fast-moving train that is emergency prevention? You don’t have to keep your eyes peeled 24/7, but you must control your pet’s environment to prevent a pet poisoning.

Decorating with houseplants does more than spruce up your space: some plants can help purify indoor air, relieve stress and anxiety, or even boost concentration. And as fans of feng shui will tell you, a Money Tree can attract wealth, Snake Plants serve as protectors, and Philodendrons offer a calming, relaxing energy. But if you have pets, it’s important to know that nibbling on some of these indoor houseplants can make our animal companions sick—or worse. 

Taking your pet for a fun outing at the local dog park sounds like an enjoyable activity for a lazy summer afternoon. There are definitely some things to consider before packing up the SUV and heading over, though. Public dog parks are not without some potential dangers, and Godspeed Animal Care thinks that it is important for pet owners to be aware of how to avoid trouble. 

Driving with a pet is legal here in Virginia, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfectly safe. Cruising around with the windows open sure is fun for a dog, and yet driving with an unrestrained animal can cause an accident. Criminal charges, claims of negligence, and potential injuries to yourself, other drivers and passengers, and of course, your pet, are all good motivators for safe practices. Choosing pet safety in the car is an important facet of responsible pet ownership, and we’re here to help.

When it comes to treats, it can be hard to resist the big eyes and pleading stares of a hungry pet. Some creative pets will even whine, howl, or paw you to get you to hand over a mouth-watering snack.

You might feel just as good as your pet when he gets a tasty treat, but many store-bought options are bad for animals. Instead of feeding your pet some unknown ingredients, try some of these delicious DIY pet treat recipes to keep them happy and healthy.

In the hustle and bustle of preparing for the holiday season, it’s easy to overlook the very real dangers that exist for our furry companions. Holiday pet safety may not be in the forefront of our minds as we busily shop and prepare, but it should be. 

Your Godspeed Animal Care family wants you and your pet to have the best holiday season possible, centered around holiday pet safety, of course!

Being in the great outdoors with your pooch is so much fun during the summer months, with ample opportunity for hiking, walks, frisbee, camping, swimming, and more. Unfortunately, along with the fun comes the risk of too much sun and heat for your dog.

It’s important to understand the signs of heat exhaustion in pets to prevent serious medical problems, such as heat stroke. Read on as the team at Godspeed Animal Care helps pet owners protect their furry friends from the summer heat for a wonderful experience in the outdoors.

Recognizing the Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Pets

When a pet is exposed to intense heat, the body temperature can rise to dangerous temperatures. Anything over 103.5 F is considered hyperthermia. This is when the body goes into heat stroke, which is a life-threatening state that puts the organs of the body under serious duress.