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Pet Safety Tips
- Bite Prevention
- Cold Weather Pet Safety
- Dog Walking Safety Tips
- Firework Pet Safety
- Holiday Pet Safety
- Summer Heat Pet Safety
- Toxicity in Pets
- Water Pet Safety
Reduce Risk of Dog Bites in Pitt County
Learn simple steps to reduce risk and keep our children and pets safe.
Most Dog Bites Are Preventable
Each year, many dog bites happen during everyday activities—and most are preventable. Children, older adults and postal workers are the most frequent victims. Children are the most common, and many bites come from familiar dogs, not strays.
Tips for Children
- Don’t run past a dog. Dogs may chase and bite when excited.
- Never bother a dog that is eating, sleeping or caring for puppies.
- Don’t pet dogs behind fences. Always wait until the dog is outside and calm.
- Always ask first. Say, “May I please pet your dog?” before reaching out.
- If you fall, protect yourself. Curl into a ball with your hands over your neck and head.
- If a dog comes near, be still. Stand like a tree, stay quiet and don’t run. Back away slowly once the dog leaves.
Tips for Parents
- Never leave your child alone with any dog. Most bites are from familiar pets.
- Teach children to ask first. Not all dogs are friendly toward kids.
- Model safe behavior. Kids shouldn’t pull ears, ride dogs or poke at them.
Tips for Dog Owners
- Socialize your dog early. If your dog doesn’t do well with kids or strangers, avoid putting them in those situations.
- Know your dog’s limits. You are responsible for your pet at all times.
- Reduce stressful situations. If you’re hosting a party and your dog gets anxious around kids, keep them in a quiet part of the house away from guests. Let others know where your dog is.
Any dog can bite—even yours. It’s up to all of us to help reduce the risk.
What If a Bite Happens?
In North Carolina, all dog bites must be reported. Dogs that bite a person must be quarantined for 10 days—even if the dog is vaccinated for rabies. The quarantine location (home, vet office or shelter) depends on the bite details, vaccination status and where the bite occurred in Pitt County. Report an Animal Bite Now
For more on dog bite risk reduction, Visit American Veterinary Medical Association
Keep Pets Safe During Cold Winter Weather
Cold weather can be dangerous for pets. Follow these simple tips to help reduce risk and keep your animals comfortable and safe during winter:
Bring Pets Indoors
Whenever possible, keep pets inside with you. If pets must stay outside, be sure they have:
- A dry, draft-free shelter large enough to sit and lie down in, but small enough to hold body heat
- A raised floor to keep cold and moisture out
- Bedding such as straw or wood shavings for warmth
- A doorway cover made of heavy plastic or waterproof material to block the wind
Provide Fresh Water
Make sure pets always have clean, non-frozen water. In freezing temperatures, replace water often to prevent it from icing over.
Protect Their Coats
- Long-haired dogs: Don’t shave them in winter. Their fur helps keep them warm.
- Short-haired dogs: Consider a coat or sweater for added warmth.
Prep for Winter Walks
- Rub paw protectants like petroleum jelly on pads before going outside
- Booties can help protect paws from cold, salt, and chemicals
- Use pet-safe ice melt when possible. If not, wipe paws with a damp towel after walks to remove harmful substances
Outdoor Cats
Before starting your vehicle, check under the hood, bang on it, and honk the horn. Cats may seek warmth near engines and can be seriously hurt if not seen.
If you care for feral cats, check out Alleycat.org Tips For Feral Cat Winter Safety.
Watch for Hypothermia
Know the signs of hypothermia:
- Whining or shivering
- Weakness or slowing down
- Searching for warm places
If you think your pet has hypothermia, contact your veterinarian right away.
Tips for Safe Dog Walking in Pitt County
Help reduce risk and keep dogs safe while walking in the community.
Spending time outside with your dog is a great way to stay active and bond. To help keep everyone safe, follow these simple tips when walking your dog in Pitt County:
ID First
Make sure your dog wears a collar with an ID tag and is microchipped in case they get lost.
Secure Fit
Use a properly fitted collar or harness for better control and safety during walks.
Use the Right Leash
Choose a 4–6 foot nylon leash. Avoid using retractable leashes, which can be hard to control.
Off-Leash Only in Designated Areas
Let dogs off-leash only in fenced yards or designated dog parks.
Weather Awareness
During summer, walk early in the morning or later in the evening. Check pavement heat with your hand before walking.
Protect Paws
Use booties during extreme weather and check your dog’s paws after walks for any injury or irritation.
Clean Up
Always carry waste bags and clean up after your dog. Don’t rely on park-provided stations.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water on walks and offer it to your dog often, especially in warm weather.
Know Your Dog
Pay extra attention to older dogs or flat-faced breeds in the heat. Adjust walk times and pace as needed.
Respect Others
Not all dogs are friendly. Always ask before approaching someone else’s dog and keep greetings short and calm.
Walks are a great way to enjoy time with your pet. Be safe, respectful, and take advantage of Pitt County’s pet-friendly spaces!
Fireworks Safety Tips for Pet Owners
Help reduce risk to pets with these simple safety tips during fireworks season.
Fireworks are a fun part of summer, but they can be scary and dangerous for pets. Here’s how to help keep your furry friends safe:
Leave Pets at Home
Fireworks are loud and frightening to animals. Keep them inside in a quiet, escape-proof room. If they are crate trained, the crate may help them feel secure. A TV or fan can help cover outside noise.
Don’t Leave Pets Outside
Even fenced yards are not safe during fireworks. A scared pet may try to run or escape.
Hosting a Party?
Let guests know not to feed your pets or leave doors open. Ask guests not to bring their own animals.
No Glow Jewelry
These items may look fun, but if chewed, they can cause drooling, stomach upset, or blockages.
Avoid Fireworks Around Pets
Fireworks can burn or poison pets. Never use them near animals.
Check the Yard After Fireworks
On July 5, check your yard for firework debris before letting pets out.
Be Prepared in Case of Escape
Make sure your pet has a collar with an ID tag and is microchipped with up-to-date information in case they get lost. If they do go missing, contact Pitt County Animal Services right away.
Following these tips can help reduce risk and keep your pets calm and safe during fireworks season.
Protect Your Pets During Winter Festivities
It’s a wonderful time of year for family, friends, and holiday traditions. Here are some tips to help reduce the risk for your pets safe during the winter holidays:
Christmas Trees
Christmas trees can pose a few risks to pets. A curious cat might try to climb the tree, causing it to tip over. To help prevent this, place the tree in a corner or secure it to the ceiling. Be careful with ornaments—skip the breakable ones that could injure paws or cause blockages if swallowed. Avoid food-based decorations like salt dough ornaments, and never use tinsel around cats—it can be very dangerous if eaten.
Lights and Candles
Keep electrical cords out of reach. Never leave lit candles unattended. Cats and other pets can easily knock them over. Always place candles in safe areas that pets can’t access.
Toxic Holiday Plants
Many holiday plants are unsafe for pets. These include mistletoe, balsam, pine, cedar, and poinsettias. Keep these out of reach, and have your vet’s number and your local emergency clinic contact info nearby—just in case.
Holiday Entertaining
Holiday parties can be stressful for pets. Give cats a quiet room away from guests to prevent them from slipping outside. Some dogs enjoy the action, but nervous or food-sensitive ones do best in a crate or separate room. Make sure all pets wear ID tags and are microchipped in case they get out.
Holiday Food Hazards
Many holiday foods can harm pets. Turkey skin may lead to pancreatitis. Chocolate is toxic, and sweets with xylitol are dangerous. Also avoid onions, grapes, raisins, and yeast dough. Clear food from tables and keep trash bins sealed tight.
New Year’s Eve
Fireworks, confetti, and party poppers may scare pets. Keep them indoors and secure as midnight approaches. Clean up confetti right away—especially if you have cats who might chew on it.
If you think your pet has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian, local emergency vet clinic, or call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 1-888-426-4435.
Keep Pets Safe During Pitt County Summers
Summer in Pitt County brings high heat and humidity—conditions that can be dangerous for pets. A few simple steps can help reduce the risk and keep them safe and comfortable all season long.
Always Provide Fresh, Cool Water and Shade
Secure water bowls so they can’t be knocked over, and place them in shaded areas to keep water cooler longer. Adding ice cubes helps pets stay hydrated on hot days.
Avoid Walking Pets on Hot Pavement
If the ground is too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for their paws. Walk during early morning or late evening when surfaces are cooler.
Never Leave Pets in Parked Cars
Even with windows cracked, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise to dangerous levels in minutes. If your pet can’t go inside with you, leave them at home.
Know the Signs of Heatstroke and Act Fast
Watch for heavy panting, drooling, dark red gums, weakness, vomiting, or collapse. Heatstroke is life-threatening—contact a veterinarian right away if you suspect your pet is overheating.
Give Extra Care to Vulnerable Pets
Flat-faced breeds like pugs and bulldogs, as well as older, overweight, or pets with heart or lung issues, are at higher risk for heat-related illness.
Be Mindful of Sun Exposure
Pets with light-colored fur or thin coats can get sunburned, especially on their noses and bellies. Use only pet-safe sunscreen—never human products.
Skip the Summer Shave
A pet’s coat actually helps protect them from overheating and sunburn. Trimming for comfort is fine, but avoid shaving completely.
Offer Cooling Enrichment
Frozen treats like peanut butter-filled Kongs or pet-safe ice pops can be a fun way to help pets stay cool.
With a little extra care, you can help your pets stay healthy, happy, and safe all summer long in Pitt County.
Reduce Risk of Pet Poison Exposure
Learn which common items in your home may be harmful to your pets.
Many Everyday Items Can Be Dangerous to Pets.
Keep cleaning supplies, medicines, and lawn products in locked cabinets or on high shelves. Foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, and xylitol (a sugar substitute) can be toxic.
Even some plants and flowers, such as lilies, azaleas, and poinsettias, may be harmful to dogs and cats. Always check before bringing new plants into your home or yard.
Watch for Signs Like Vomiting, Drooling, Tiredness, or Seizures.
If you think your pet has eaten something harmful, contact your vet or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 right away.
Get a Full List of Toxic Items and Safety Tips at ASPCA.org.
Reduce the Risk for Your Pet Around Water
Follow these tips to reduce risk and help your dog enjoy the water safely.
Some dogs love the water, but not all breeds are natural swimmers. Short-nosed dogs like pugs and bulldogs may struggle and should be watched closely.
Never Throw Your Dog Into the Water
It can scare them, and if they can't swim well, they could panic or even drown.
Treat Pools Like You Would With Kids
Never leave dogs unattended. Always keep a fence around your pool to lower the risk of accidents.
Watch for Signs of Tiredness
Swimming takes a lot of energy, and a tired dog is more likely to get into trouble. Give them regular breaks.
Don't Let Your Dog Drink the Water
Chlorine, salt, and parasites can make them sick. Always have fresh water available.
Rinse and Dry After Swimming
Rinse your dog to remove chlorine or salt. Dry their ears well to help prevent infections.
Consider a Dog Life Vest
Especially around deep or moving water, it helps keep them afloat and makes rescue easier if needed.
Taking these steps can help reduce the risk for you and your dog and make for a fun, safe day near the water!