Pet Safety
Your dog is eating its food and starts growling when you reach toward its bowl. What should you do?
Stop reaching toward the bowl and give the dog space.
Your dog is drinking much more water than usual and you notice it is also urinating more frequently. What should you do?
Tell the owner/caregiver and contact a veterinarian for guidance.
You are outside with your dog on a very hot day. The dog is panting heavily and looking for shade. What would you do?
Move the dog to a cool area, provide water, and monitor for signs of heat illness
You don't feel like taking your dog outside, but it is part of your dog's normal routine. What should you do?
Take the dog outside or make sure someone else does.
What should you always make sure your pet has access to, in addition to its food?
Clean water
Your friend says their dog is scared and asks you to pet it. The dog backs away and growls. Should you pet it? Why or why not?
No. Give the dog space because the behavior indicates it may be uncomfortable or frightened
Your cat suddenly stops eating. Why shouldn't you simply assume the cat is being picky
A sudden change in appetite can be a sign of illness or another health problem.
You buy a new toy for your pet, but pieces start breaking off. What would you do?
Remove the toy so the pet doesn't swallow the pieces.
Name one thing besides food that a pet owner may need to spend money on.
Toys, grooming, supplies, veterinary care, bedding, etc.
You drop a piece of food on the floor and your dog tries to eat it. What should you consider before letting the dog have it?
Whether the food is safe for dogs.
It is safe to leave a pet in a parked car if the windows are cracked.
False.
Your pet has a medication prescribed by its veterinarian. Your pet seems better, so you decide to stop giving it. Why could this be a problem?
Some medications need to be given for the full prescribed course or stopped gradually under veterinary guidance.
You are leaving for the weekend and no one will be home. What would you need to do to make sure your pet is cared for?
Arrange a reliable person or pet-care service to provide food, water, bathroom care, exercise, and supervision.
You want to get a pet, but you work long hours and are gone most of the day. What should you consider before getting one?
Whether you have enough time, money, space, and ability to meet the pet's daily needs.
Your pet keeps begging for food while you are eating dinner. What should you do instead of giving it food from your plate?
Don't feed it table scraps; follow the pet's normal feeding routine.
You drop a pill on the floor and your dog immediately runs toward it. What should you do?
Prevent the dog from eating it and safely pick it up/dispose of it.
Your dog is vomiting repeatedly, seems weak, and won't drink water. Is this something you should simply monitor for several days
No. Contact a veterinarian promptly because these could be signs of a serious problem
You are moving into a new home with your pet. What are three things you should do to make the new environment safe?
Check for escape routes, remove dangerous items/plants, secure doors/windows, establish food/water areas, and provide a safe place for the pet.
You are going on vacation. Why might you need to budget money for your pet?
You may need to pay for boarding, a pet sitter, transportation, or other care.
You find an old, opened bag of pet food that smells strange. What would you do?
Don't feed it; dispose of it appropriately and provide safe, fresh food.
Your pet suddenly starts having trouble breathing. Your friend says, "Let's wait and see if it gets better." What should you do?
Seek veterinary care immediately because difficulty breathing can be an emergency.
Your pet has a medical emergency while its regular veterinarian's office is closed. What should you do?
Contact an emergency veterinary clinic or appropriate veterinary emergency service.
Your friend says, "My dog is bored, so I'm going to give him food every time he whines." What might be a better solution?
Provide appropriate exercise, play, attention, or enrichment instead.
You are thinking about getting your first pet. Name FIVE things you should consider BEFORE bringing the pet home.
Time • money • housing rules • space • food • exercise • grooming • training • cleaning • supplies • daily routine • who will provide care • long-term commitment.
You are going away for three days and someone else will feed your pet. What information should you leave for them?
Type of food, amount, feeding times, water instructions, treats if allowed, and any special feeding instructions.