Here are a few tips to keeping your pet safe.

• Tag your dogs. Proper identification is your best way to have your dog returned if it is ever lost.
• Assemble a pet disaster supply kit to be ready at a moments notice, even if you are away from home for a short time you will need supplies. Do this before the disaster. Make sure you have a secure pet carrier, and a leash or harness for your pet so that if the animal panics it cannot escape. Take for your pet: food and bottled water for several days, medication, veterinarian records, keep vaccinations current. A first aid kit and a current picture of your pet may also be needed. Make sure identification tags are securely fastened to your pet's collar and if possible attach your address and telephone numbers.
• You may not be at home when the disaster occurs and a trusted neighbor would be left to evacuate your pet. Be sure that the neighbor knows about the disaster supply kit and where it is kept and takes it with them. Planning will enable the evacuation of your pet to be quick and safe. Animals react differently under stress, in cars and carriers. Do not leave animals unattended anywhere they can get loose and run off. They might panic, try to hide, scratch or even bite.
• Keep your pet on his regular diet. Alcoholic beverages, holiday treats such as chocolates, and bones from poultry, pork and fish can be harmful or toxic to pets.
• Staying warm requires extra calories, so feed your pet accordingly when the temperature drops.
• Cats and kittens often nap on car engines for warmth. Knock on the hood and honk the horn, and wait a few minutes before starting your car.
• Pets like the smell and taste of antifreeze. The smallest amount can kill them. Clean up all spills at once and store containers where pets cannot get to them.
• Always have fresh, clean water available for your pet.
• Never leave your pet in a parked car. It's extremely dangerous, as the temperature in a car can rise in minutes.
• Sunburn hurts, so watch short-haired pets and those with pink skin and white hair especially, and limit their sun exposure.
• Brush your pet frequently and you will see early signs of parasites and skin infections by lifting the coat, and viewing the skin below.
• Be sure your yard is safe and keep your pets away from pesticides and herbicides.
• Watch for signs of heatstroke, because it can be fatal for your pet.
• Don't let your pet roam.
• Keep plastic bags away from pets, they can suffocate, especially kittens.
• Don't keep houseplants around that could kill your pet if eaten, like: lilies, philodendron, dieffenbachia, elephant ear, azalea, ivy, amaryllis, and plant bulbs.
• Proof your house for items like cigarette butts, rubber bands, balloons, sewing needles, pantyhose, and common household cleaners. Bleach, ammonia, drain cleaners and rat poison. Etc.
• Keep electrical wire out of reach so they will not chew on them.

Dog and cats are like children. Watch them closely.