{"id":265,"date":"2020-08-20T15:56:00","date_gmt":"2020-08-20T19:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.allcreaturesvetbrooklyn.com\/blog\/?p=265"},"modified":"2022-01-19T15:59:46","modified_gmt":"2022-01-19T20:59:46","slug":"where-does-pet-safety-fit-in-with-americas-protests-and-the-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.allcreaturesvetbrooklyn.com\/blog\/where-does-pet-safety-fit-in-with-americas-protests-and-the-pandemic\/","title":{"rendered":"Where Does Pet Safety Fit In With America\u2019s Protests and the Pandemic?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Fluffy<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

While it may not be the most comforting thought, Americans are not alone in our attempts to make sense of our upside down world. People around the world are struggling to cope with the immense challenges of COVID, and social unrest has reached a boiling point in global and local communities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But where do our pets fit into this new paradigm? Pet safety is always a priority, but there are new threats to their normal city-living routines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ordinary Living\u2019<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are easily a million pets living in NYC homes, and more than half of them are dogs. In fact, the rate of pet adoption is higher in urban areas than anywhere else \u2013 for good reason. City dwellers are keen on providing the best possible lifestyles and living conditions for our pets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Pet Safety in the City<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you live in an apartment that is on an upper floor, be sure to test the windows, balconies, fire escapes, and screens for any possible issues. Pet proofing can prevent accidental falls, known as \u201cHigh Rise Syndrome\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heading Outside<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cats are generally happy inside their own domains<\/a>, although they may like to explore courtyards, gardens, or even city streets if they\u2019re leash trained. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dogs, on the other hand, have to go outside to conduct their \u201cbusiness\u201d, socialize, and take in some much needed exercise. This time of year, it is critical to avoid the hot pavement<\/a> during the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. Risks to your dog include dehydration and heat stroke, but injuries sustained to the delicate paw pads can be very painful and slow to heal. If the concrete outside is too hot for your open palm, it\u2019s too hot for your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People… Everywhere!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most dogs that grow up in the city are highly accustomed to being around strangers, unfamiliar pets, and large crowds. That doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re always relaxed or know how to behave. Commands like \u201csit\u201d, \u201cstay\u201d, \u201cdown\u201d or \u201cleave it\u201d are essential to pet safety on busy streets. They must know not to run, bark at strangers, or jump up on anyone. They must have experience<\/a> with loud traffic, stairwells, crowded entryways, other animals, elevators, and so much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your pet is not accustomed to seeing YOU in a mask, they might find people on the street in masks even more alarming. Even the most well-behaved dogs can become easily spooked by circumstances they deem new or threatening. Help acclimate your pet by wearing your mask here and there around your pets, give praise or treats and help them feel less anxious about this new facial development on humans. Do not assume you know how your pet would react if adults or children in masks stop to stay hello and get too close – help your pet with this transition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just Another Day<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pet safety is also about being sure they are comfortable at all times. This might mean that you have to go to a certain spot for them to go potty, or frequent a nearby park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n