10/16/2023
3 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR ANIMALS SAFE
Did you know October is National Animal Safety Month? Our furry, feathered, and even scaly companions can bring lots of joy to our lives, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they lead happy, healthy and safe lives. Keep reading for our top animal safety tips to help you keep your pets and other animals out of harm’s way.
Stay up-to-date with vaccines and check-ups
Just like humans, animals require regular healthcare check-ups to ensure they remain in the best possible health. Vaccinations play a crucial role in preventing diseases that can be life-threatening to your pets. Consult with your veterinarian to create a vaccination schedule tailored to your pet’s specific needs. Common vaccinations include those for rabies, distemper and parvovirus, but your veterinarian will guide you based on your pet’s age, species and lifestyle.
Annual check-ups are equally important. These visits allow your veterinarian to detect any underlying health issues early, which can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment. Don’t skip these appointments, as they’re essential for maintaining your pet’s overall well-being.
Know the signs of an allergic reaction in animals
Allergic reactions can be frightening and dangerous for both humans and animals. Being aware of the signs of an allergic reaction in your pet can be a lifesaver. Symptoms may include:
Swelling of the face, ears or paws
Hives (raised, red, itchy bumps on the skin)
Difficulty breathing
Excessive drooling
Vomiting or diarrhea
Lethargy or collapse
If you suspect your pet is having an allergic reaction, contact your veterinarian or the nearest animal emergency clinic immediately.
Keep pets away from human foods
While it may be tempting to share snacks with our pets, many human foods can actually be harmful or even deadly to animals. Here are some common foods to keep far out of their reach:
Salty foods
Onions and garlic
Grapes
Candy and chocolate
Avocados
Cherry pits
Coffee
Raisins
Tea (because it contains caffeine)
Yeast dough
There are other foods that can be toxic to different animals, so be sure to ask your veterinarian before giving your pet human food.
Animals can be a huge part of our lives and truly can become part of the family. That’s why it’s our responsibility to keep them safe. By following our animal safety tips, you can protect your furry friends not just during National Animal Safety Month, but year-round.
We’re Here to Help
Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial and life insurance needs.
SAFETY
DISCLOSURE
The information on this website is not a contract, as it is provided for general information to explain potential types of insurance coverages. Further, descriptions do not refer to any specific contract of insurance and they do not modify any definitions, exclusions or any other provision expressly stated in any contracts of insurance. Please read actual policy documents for important details on coverages, exclusions, limits, conditions, and terms. If there is any conflict between the summary and/or information on this website versus the policy documents, the policy documents shall control. Please contact Kerrick Hunter, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance Agent to learn more about insurance coverages offered by and through OFBMIC.
Life insurance and annuity products are offered through Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company/West Des Moines, IA and are intended for residents of AZ, IA, ID, KS, MN, MT, ND, NE, NM, OK, SD, UT, WI and WY.
From your October OKFB Newsletter In full or in part ~MZ
