Pet care & safety
Everyday ways to protect your companion animal
Many common pet injuries and illnesses can be prevented through thoughtful everyday care. Secure identification, routine veterinary visits, safe nutrition, regular exercise, and a pet-proof home all help reduce unnecessary risks and give animals a healthier foundation throughout their lives.
Colorado pet guardians also face several regional concerns. Rapid weather changes, wildfire smoke, extreme heat and cold, rattlesnakes, wildlife encounters, toxic algae, and long distances to emergency veterinary care can turn an ordinary outing into a serious situation. Preparation is especially important when pets accompany us on trails, camping trips, road trips, or visits to Colorado’s lakes and reservoirs.
No article can replace the advice of a veterinarian who knows your pet’s medical history. The information below is intended to help you recognize common hazards, make safer choices, and understand when professional care may be needed.
You know your pet’s normal habits better than anyone. Pay attention to changes in appetite, energy, movement, breathing, elimination, grooming, and behavior. When something feels wrong, contacting a veterinarian early is almost always better than waiting for the problem to become unmistakable.
Begin with preventive veterinary care
Regular veterinary examinations allow your veterinarian to monitor changes that may not be obvious at home. Preventive care may include vaccinations, parasite protection, dental care, weight management, diagnostic testing, and screening based on your pet’s age, species, lifestyle, and medical history.
Puppies, kittens, senior animals, and pets with chronic conditions may need more frequent appointments. Ask your veterinarian to recommend an appropriate examination and vaccination schedule rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all calendar.
Pet guardians should also discuss whether and when spaying or neutering is appropriate. These procedures prevent unplanned litters and may reduce certain health and behavioral risks, but the ideal timing can vary by animal. The American Veterinary Medical Association’s spaying and neutering guidance can help prepare you for that conversation. (AVMA)
Provide appropriate food, exercise, and enrichment
Feed a nutritionally complete diet appropriate for your pet’s species, age, size, health, and activity level. Portion food carefully, limit unnecessary treats, and monitor weight over time. Sudden weight gain or loss should be discussed with a veterinarian.
Exercise should also be matched to the individual animal. A young, active dog may need substantial physical activity and training, while a senior dog with arthritis may benefit from shorter, gentler walks. Indoor cats need opportunities to climb, scratch, chase, hide, and engage in natural hunting behaviors. Birds, rabbits, and small mammals need species-appropriate space, enrichment, and social interaction.
Avoid intense exercise immediately after large meals, particularly in dogs at increased risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly called bloat. A swollen abdomen, restlessness, excessive drooling, or repeated attempts to vomit without producing anything should be treated as an emergency.
Keep pets safely contained
Free-roaming pets face hazards from vehicles, predators, poisons, disease, severe weather, and conflicts with other animals. Cats can live stimulating, satisfying lives indoors when provided with climbing structures, window access, play, scratching surfaces, hiding places, and regular interaction.
Dogs should be kept within a secure yard or under direct control on a leash. Check fences and gates regularly, especially after high winds, heavy snow, construction, or wildfire activity.
Identification provides another layer of protection. Dogs and cats should wear a current identification tag and, when appropriate, be microchipped. Update the microchip registry whenever your telephone number, address, or emergency contact changes. A microchip with decade-old contact information is technologically impressive but practically decorative.
Pet-proof your home and yard
Pets explore with their noses, paws, and mouths, which means familiar household items can create unexpected risks.
Look for hazards at your pet’s level, including:
Electrical cords and charging cables
Drapery, blind, and curtain cords
Open windows and unsecured screens
Small toys and objects that can be swallowed
Plastic bags and food wrappers
Accessible trash containers
Reclining chairs and folding furniture
Unstable televisions, shelves, and bookcases
Sewing supplies, ribbons, string, and rubber bands
Holiday ornaments, lights, tinsel, and garland
Open washers, dryers, dishwashers, and toilets
Pools, hot tubs, ponds, and water features
Lawn chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, and rodent bait
Supervise young children around animals. Children may unintentionally frighten or injure a pet, while a frightened, sleeping, eating, sick, or painful animal may bite or scratch in self-defense. Teach children to give pets space and avoid disturbing them while they are eating, sleeping, hiding, or caring for young. (AVMA)
Store medications where pets cannot reach them
Human medications are among the most common causes of pet poisonings. Pain relievers, antidepressants, sleep aids, stimulants, cold medicines, vitamins, supplements, inhalers, topical creams, and prescription drugs can cause severe illness or death.
Never give a pet aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, allergy medicine, anti-diarrheal medication, cannabis, or any other human drug unless a veterinarian familiar with the animal has specifically recommended the product and dose.
Medication that is safe for one pet may be dangerous to another because of differences in species, size, age, medical conditions, and interactions with other drugs. Even veterinary medications can cause poisoning when given to the wrong animal or administered in excessive amounts.
Store medicines inside closed cabinets rather than on counters, nightstands, or in purses and backpacks. Pick up dropped pills immediately and keep pet medications separated from human prescriptions. The FDA’s guide to potentially dangerous items for pets provides additional information. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Know which foods can harm pets
A food that is safe for people is not automatically safe for animals. Toxicity may depend on the species, amount consumed, animal’s weight, and ingredients contained in the product.
Foods and ingredients that should be kept away from pets include:
Chocolate
Coffee, tea, and other sources of caffeine
Grapes and raisins
Onions, garlic, and related plants
Alcohol
Raw yeast dough
Macadamia nuts
Moldy or spoiled food
Foods containing xylitol
Large amounts of salt
Fruit pits and seeds
Cooked bones that may splinter
Cannabis-infused foods
Products containing nicotine
Xylitol, sometimes marketed as birch sugar, may be found in sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, toothpaste, mouthwash, medications, vitamins, and some nut butters. It can cause a sudden and potentially fatal drop in a dog’s blood sugar and may also cause liver damage.
Cannabis edibles may combine several hazards in one product, including THC, chocolate, xylitol, raisins, caffeine, or high levels of fat. Be honest with veterinary professionals about what your pet may have consumed. Accurate information helps them provide the right treatment more quickly.
The ASPCA’s list of people foods to avoid and the FDA’s xylitol guidance provide more detailed information. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Identify poisonous plants and household products
Common household and garage products can be dangerous when swallowed, inhaled, spilled on the skin, or transferred to the paws and later licked away.
Potential hazards include:
Antifreeze
Ice-melting chemicals
Paint, solvents, and adhesives
Drain and oven cleaners
Laundry and dishwasher products
Fertilizers and weed killers
Insecticides and pesticides
Rodent bait
Pool and spa chemicals
Essential oils and concentrated fragrances
Nicotine products and vaping liquids
Batteries
Automotive fluids
Cleaning products
Toxic houseplants, bouquets, and landscaping plants
Lilies are particularly dangerous to cats, while sago palms, azaleas, tulips, and many other plants can harm dogs, cats, horses, or other animals. Before adding a plant to your home or yard, check the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant Database.
Colorado residents with livestock or pets that spend time around native vegetation can also consult the Colorado State University Guide to Poisonous Plants.
Do not rely solely on a plant-identification app during a suspected poisoning. Photograph the plant, save a sample when it can be handled safely, and contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control professional. (ASPCA)
Build a pet first-aid kit
Keep a pet first-aid kit at home and a smaller version in your vehicle or hiking pack. The kit should help you stabilize and transport an injured animal—not encourage you to perform treatment that requires veterinary training.
Useful supplies include:
Contact information for your veterinarian and nearest emergency clinic
Animal poison-control telephone numbers
Copies of vaccination and medical records
Disposable gloves
Sterile gauze pads and gauze rolls
Nonstick wound dressings
Medical tape
Clean towels
Blunt-tip scissors
Tweezers
Saline solution
A digital thermometer reserved for pet use
A flashlight
A blanket for restraint or transport
A spare leash and identification tag
An appropriately sized carrier or crate
Any medication specifically prescribed for emergency use by your veterinarian
Do not add human medications or home remedies simply because they appear on an old checklist. Ask your veterinarian what belongs in the kit for your individual pet.
First aid should be followed by veterinary evaluation. The AVMA’s first-aid guidance for pet owners explains how to respond to bleeding, burns, seizures, poisoning, heatstroke, and other emergencies while seeking professional care. (AVMA)
Recognize signs that require immediate veterinary care
Seek emergency assistance when your pet experiences:
Difficulty breathing
Blue, gray, white, or unusually pale gums
Collapse or loss of consciousness
Severe or uncontrolled bleeding
A prolonged or repeated seizure
Major trauma or a vehicle strike
Sudden paralysis or inability to stand
Severe pain
A swollen abdomen with unsuccessful attempts to vomit
Inability to urinate
Heatstroke
A rattlesnake bite
Suspected poisoning or medication overdose
A serious eye injury
Repeated vomiting or diarrhea with blood, weakness, or collapse
Call the veterinary hospital while traveling when possible. This allows the staff to confirm availability, provide transportation instructions, and prepare for your arrival.
Colorado State University’s Emergency and Critical Care service in Fort Collins is open around the clock for dogs and cats. Its emergency line is 970-297-5000. For other areas, identify your closest emergency clinic before you need it. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Know the possible warning signs of cancer
Cancer has special meaning for us because Harley, whose life inspired Harley’s Hope Foundation, was lost to hemangiosarcoma. Her experience reminds us that some cancers can progress quietly before obvious symptoms appear. (Harley's Hope Foundation)
Cancer can affect dogs, cats, and other companion animals. Warning signs may include:
A new or rapidly growing lump
A sore that does not heal
Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Persistent lethargy
Bleeding or unusual discharge
Persistent bad breath or another unusual odor
Difficulty eating or swallowing
Persistent coughing or difficulty breathing
Lameness, stiffness, or reduced stamina
Difficulty urinating or defecating
Changes in behavior or normal routines
These symptoms do not automatically mean a pet has cancer, but they do warrant veterinary attention. Check your pet regularly while grooming or handling them, and ask your veterinarian to examine new or changing lumps. Early evaluation can provide more information and, in some cases, more treatment options. (AAHA)
Understand your pet’s individual risks
Some medical conditions occur more frequently in certain breeds, body types, ages, or species. Large and giant-breed dogs may face different orthopedic and cardiac risks than smaller dogs. Deep-chested dogs may have an increased risk of bloat. Senior cats may be more likely to develop kidney, thyroid, mobility, or cognitive changes.
Genetic risk does not guarantee that a pet will develop a condition, and mixed-breed animals are not immune from inherited disease. Ask your veterinarian which conditions may be relevant to your pet and what symptoms or screenings deserve particular attention.
Consider your pet’s lifestyle as well. An active trail dog, an indoor cat, a backyard chicken, and a rabbit housed indoors each face very different hazards. Preventive care should reflect the animal in front of you—not merely the species name on the chart.
Pay attention to subtle changes in cats
Cats often conceal discomfort or illness. A change that appears behavioral may have a medical cause.
Contact your veterinarian when a cat begins:
Hiding more than usual
Eating less or refusing food
Drinking or urinating more frequently
Urinating outside the litter box
Straining in the litter box
Grooming excessively or stopping grooming
Losing weight
Becoming unusually vocal, irritable, or withdrawn
Avoiding jumping or climbing
Coughing, sneezing, or developing eye or nasal discharge
Showing persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Repeated straining without producing urine is an emergency, particularly in male cats. Do not assume the cat is constipated or wait until the following day.
Routine examinations, vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental care, and veterinarian-recommended testing can help identify feline health concerns before they become more difficult to manage. (AAHA)
Prepare for Colorado wildlife encounters
Coyotes, foxes, bobcats, mountain lions, bears, moose, birds of prey, skunks, bats, and snakes may be encountered in urban neighborhoods as well as rural and mountain areas.
Keep dogs leashed or under close control, especially near dawn and dusk. Supervise small pets outdoors, avoid leaving pet food outside, and do not allow animals to chase wildlife or approach carcasses. Colorado Parks and Wildlife advises pet guardians to keep dogs leashed and consider leaving them home when wildlife activity makes an area unsafe. (Colorado Parks and Wildlife)
Contact a veterinarian promptly after a bite, scratch, or direct interaction with a bat, skunk, fox, raccoon, or other potentially rabid animal. Bat bites can be extremely difficult to see. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s rabies guidance explains what to do following a possible exposure. (CDPHE)
A suspected rattlesnake bite is also an emergency. Keep the pet calm, limit movement, and travel to a veterinary hospital immediately. Do not apply ice, cut the wound, use a tourniquet, or attempt to remove the venom.
Protect pets around Colorado lakes and reservoirs
Cyanobacteria, commonly called blue-green algae, can produce toxins in Colorado lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and slow-moving water. A harmful bloom may look like spilled paint, pea soup, foam, scum, or discolored mats, but appearance alone cannot confirm whether the water is safe.
Follow posted advisories and keep pets out of suspicious water. Colorado health officials recommend a simple rule: when in doubt, stay out.
When a pet enters potentially affected water, prevent them from licking their coat, rinse them thoroughly with clean water, and contact a veterinarian if they may have swallowed the water or begin showing symptoms. Visit the state’s toxic algae information page for current guidance. (CDPHE)
Plan for heat, cold, and wildfire smoke
Colorado temperatures can change quickly, particularly at higher elevations. Provide shade, fresh water, and protection from extreme temperatures. Adjust walks and outdoor activities for heat, snow, ice, smoke, and pavement conditions.
Never leave a pet unattended in a parked vehicle. During hot weather, exercise during cooler parts of the day and watch for excessive panting, drooling, weakness, confusion, vomiting, or collapse.
During wildfire smoke events, keep pets indoors as much as possible, close windows and doors when conditions allow, use recirculated air, and keep outdoor bathroom breaks brief. Older pets and animals with heart or respiratory conditions may be especially vulnerable.
Colorado residents can check current conditions through the state’s air-quality monitoring and advisory system and review wildfire smoke guidance from CDPHE. (CDPHE)
During winter, clean snow, ice, and deicing chemicals from paws after outdoor activity. Store antifreeze securely and clean spills immediately. Even small exposures can be life-threatening.
Know who to call after a suspected poisoning
When a pet may have eaten, inhaled, or contacted a dangerous substance:
Remove the animal from the source without exposing yourself.
Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately.
Save the packaging, label, plant sample, medication bottle, or photograph.
Be prepared to provide your pet’s species, weight, symptoms, amount involved, and approximate time of exposure.
Follow the professional’s instructions.
Do not induce vomiting or give hydrogen peroxide, milk, oil, salt, activated charcoal, or another home treatment unless specifically directed by a veterinarian or animal poison-control specialist. Vomiting can make some exposures more dangerous.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
888-426-4435
Available 24 hours a day. A consultation fee may apply.
Pet Poison Helpline
855-764-7661
Available 24 hours a day. A consultation fee may apply. (ASPCA)
Safety begins with everyday attention
Pet safety is not one decision or one perfectly stocked emergency kit. It is the result of ordinary habits repeated consistently: keeping veterinary appointments, securing medications, checking fences, updating identification, choosing safe foods, supervising outdoor activity, and responding promptly when a pet’s health or behavior changes.
Many accidents cannot be predicted, but preparation can prevent a frightening moment from becoming worse. Learn what is normal for your pet, understand the hazards around your home and community, and keep professional help within easy reach.
The animals in our care trust us to recognize risks they cannot understand. Protecting them is one of the clearest ways we can honor that trust.