How To Prevent And Prepare For Fire Safety In Your Pet-Friendly Home

by Mary Simpson

Published: July 15th, 2015

how to prevent and prepare for fire safety in your pet friendly home

July 15 is National Pet Fire Safety Day. Here’s what you can do to ensure that your pet and home are safe from flames and smoke.

Remember the tale of Mrs. O’Leary’s cow? Yes, the one rumored to have knocked over a lantern while being milked. It ultimately started the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that leveled thousands of buildings and killed 300 residents. What could she have done differently? Well, her decision to set an open flame by the back end of a restless cow in a barn full of dry straw would have been a good place to start!

What about you? What steps have you taken to safeguard your home from determined dogs and curious kitties that are as ignorant to the perils of fire as Chicago’s bossy? With July 15 marking National Pet Fire Safety Day, and stats showing approximately 1,000 house fires are started by our little guys each year, it’s time to take a pro-active approach to safeguarding your home.

Prevent:

Don’t leave your pets unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any flame before you leave home.
If your pooch is big enough to help himself to goodies off the counter, he’s big enough to accidentally turn your stove on. Remove stove knobs when you leave the house; this is the number-one cause of fires started by pets.
Flameless candles are a great alternative to the real thing and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a lit flame.
Avoid glass water bowls on wooden decks as the sun’s rays can use them as a magnifying glass, heating up the deck and starting a fire. Opt for stainless steel or ceramic.
Secure younger pets when you’re heading out. Keep them away from potential fire-starting hazards by crating or using baby gates in secure areas.

Prepare:

Consider using monitored smoke detectors. They are connected to a monitoring center that allows emergency responders to be contacted when your pets are trapped.
Affix a Pet Alert Window Cling: Write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets. Make sure to update the number of pets listed.
Keep collars on pets and place leashes near the door so first responders can use them to lead pets to safety. Pets are often waiting at doors and run out when firefighters come in.
Know where your pets hide, as this may be the first place they go if there is a fire. Make sure your neighbors have this information in case fire breaks out when you aren’t home.
Plan to bring your pet’s carrier when you evacuate the house. It can be a safe and comforting place for your pet to be, especially when the fire truck arrives.

Mary Simpson is an animal-loving writer and communications professional. A soft touch for anything stray, she shares her century home with an eclectic collection of rescues that include orange tabby Chico, tuxedo Simon, and jet black Owen. She enjoys running, politics, exploring local wine regions and is an avid supporter of the “shop local” movement.

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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It takes mere minutes for flames to engulf your home. Do you know what to do in order to keep your dog safe in the event of a house fire? The worst thing about disasters is that they can strike at any time, whether you are ready for them or not. A house fire can not only destroy your home but it puts your entire family, including your pets, at risk. While you may not be able to completely prevent a fire from happening, there are steps you can take to keep your pets safe. Remember these nine important tips for keeping your pet safe in from house fires. Related: Pups With Tents: Hot Dogs And Campfire Safety Basic Fire Safety for the Home There are several simple things you can do to keep your home and your family protected from a fire: Make sure you have enough smoke alarms in your house and test them monthly, replacing the batteries as needed so they work well.You should also consider putting a sticker on your door to alert firefighters that you have pets in the house. You can get these stickers from your local humane society – make sure to list all of the pets you have in the house and what kind they are.Create an emergency plan with your family – make sure each family member is responsible for a certain pet so you can get them all out of the house quickly and safely.If you keep any of your dogs outdoors, take steps to limit the spread of a house fire to the yard by clearing dry brush away from the house. If you have rabbits or other pets kept in outdoor housing, make sure they are placed at least 20 feet from any brush so you will have time to rescue the pet before the fire reaches them. Related: How To Prevent And Prepare For Fire Safety In Your Pet-Friendly Home Tips for Keeping Pets Safe One of the most important things you can do to keep your pets safe during a house fire is to learn their favorite hiding placing. During a fire your pet might only know that it is in danger and he will hide; he doesn’t know that you will be looking for him and that he needs to stay visible. If you know where your pet likes to hide will give you a better idea where to find him in case you have to get out of the house quickly. If you have to leave the house before you find your pet, leave a door to the outside and call to your pet once you get outdoors. That way, your dog will hear you and run to the sound of your voice. Not only do you need to know how to find your pet in an emergency and how to keep him safe, but you should also learn some tips to keep your pets from starting a house fire: Always keep puppies and notoriously curious pets confined away from trouble areas when you are not home to watch them.Avoid keeping open flames in the house – this includes candles – because pets can sometimes be curious about flames and they might accidentally knock the candle over if you aren’t watching and start a fire.According to the National Fire Protection Association, the leading reason for pet-started house fires is pets accidentally turning stove knobs. When you aren’t using the stove, make sure the knobs are removed or protected.Always use stainless steel or ceramic dishes in outdoor wooden areas like decks – the reflection of light through a glass bowl could generate enough heat on a hot day to ignite a wood deck.Check your house for potential hazards like loose electrical wires, outlets, and appliances and take steps to make sure your pet can’t be harmed by them. In the event of a house fire, there’s no time for second guessing. By creating an escape plan with your family, you can make sure that everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire so that all of you, including your pets, get out safe.

Heroic Man Runs Into Burning Home To Save His Dog

When an Australia man came home to find his house in flames, he didn’t think twice before running in to save his best friend. It’s every pet and home owner’s worst nightmare: a house fire. Mark Woodbury had only gone out for 10 minutes to grab some supplies for an upcoming fishing trip when he returned home to find black smoke billowing out a back window. Luckily, his wife and three children weren’t home at the time, but one very vital member of the family was still inside: Woodbury’s beloved rescue dog, Ditch. Related: How To Prevent And Prepare For Fire Safety In Your Pet-Friendly Home Without giving it a second thought, he ran into the burning house. “The first thing I thought of was Ditch,” he said. “There was no way I was going to let my dog burn to death.” Woodbury ran through the smoke-filled house three times before finally tripping over something – which thankfully was Ditch. Running outside with the cherished German shepherd cross in his arms, Mr. Woodbury tried to resuscitate Ditch himself. Luckily by this time, firefighters and paramedics were on scene, once of whom took over CPR and put an oxygen mask on the dog, which saved his life. Related: Disaster Strikes! Do You Have An Emergency Plan For Your Dog? We’re so happy to report that Ditch is now in stable condition at the RSPCA in Rutherford, Australia. Go Ditch! Displaying the kind of optimism in the face of adversity that we all hope to have, Woodbury says, “I’ve lost all of my kitchen, all of my appliances, my laundry, my furniture, but it’s my dog, that’s the important thing.” The local Fire and Rescue department is now investigating the cause of the fire and believe it may be due to an electrical fault. Unfortunately, the family did not have any home insurance and lost many possessions in the fire. As of this writing, there is not currently a fundraiser or Kickstarter in place to assist the family, but watch this space. If we get word of one, we’ll add the information to this article. In the meantime, Mark Woodbury – you are truly a hero, and we wish you, Ditch and the rest of your family the best. [Source: Maitland Mercury]

4 Tips to Keep Pets Safe From House Fires

Do you think you’re ready for a house fire? What happens if you’re not at home and your pets are inside? Here are four tips to keep your pets safe from house fires. A few years ago, I awoke from a dead sleep to a strange, loud beeping noise. It was one of our smoke detector alarms going off in a room at the other end of the house. I was the only adult in a house with two house cats. Though it turned out to be a false alarm — activated by too much dust on the sensor — it was incredibly scary. I was solidly brought to reality of how ill-prepared I was to get my family and pets out to safety should there ever be a true house fire. The most common disaster responded-to by the American Red Cross is home fires. It stands to reason that many of these fires would affect dogs, cats, or another companion animal inside. It’s one of those subjects that can be easy to forget — home fire safety. After all, it’s not like house fires are nearly as common as they once were. But knowing what you would do, just in case, could very well mean the difference between life and death for your companion animals. Here are 4 tips to help protect your pet from fires: 1) Make a Formal Fire Escape Plan Include your pets when drawing out your family’s fire escape route. And then, practice the evacuation plan with your pets in tow. Have a set place, if possible, where your pet spends the night. This makes it easier to find your pets in a hurry. Create a disaster kit specifically for your pets, with items that are pertinent to them. This would include feed and feed dishes, water bottles, treats, a collar and leash, any medications, and anything else that would be required should your pet need to leave home long-term. Another idea is to have a safe place for your pet to stay, such as with a neighbor or friend, if you would need to leave your home. Emergency shelters may not accommodate pets. Related: How To Prevent And Prepare For Fire Safety In Your Pet-Friendly Home 2) Affix a Pet Alert Window Cling to a Front Window Contact your local fire department for an emergency window cling to affix to one of your front windows where it would be easily seen by firefighters. Write the number of pets you have on the side of the window cling facing out. This information will alert firefighters that there are pets inside the building. 3) Keep Pets Near Entrances When Away From Home While you’re away, whether short-term or long-term, and if your pet is remaining at home, have your pets kept near the front entrance of the house. This makes it easier for a firefighter to locate them if there is a fire, as the firefighter would enter the house through the front door first. A dog can be kept in a kennel, for example. A cat would do better if kept in a front room. Also, keep collars on your pets when not at home and have leashes easy to locate right by the front door. For other animals that don’t leash well, keep an appropriate carrier at the ready near the entrance. Some pet parents choose to invest in a home monitoring system specifically for pets. The monitoring center can then alert firefighters about pets in your home. Related: Hot Dogs And Campfire Safety 4) Pet-Proof Your Home, Specifically for Fire Safety For how curious our pets are, it’s not surprising that some house fires are inadvertently started by pets themselves. Cats, leaping onto kitchen counter, may accidentally turn on the gas stove. Dogs, bored while waiting for you to come home from work, may chew on power cords. While you step out for a second to check the mailbox, your curious pet may accidentally tip over the lit candle on your mantle. Of course, they don’t mean to — but the consequences can be dire. Here are some quick tips to pet-proof your home, specifically keeping fire safety in mind: Extinguish flames before leaving the house. Never leave your pet unattended around an open flame, such as a gas flame or candle, even if briefly.Protect stove knobs. You can either remove the knobs completely while away from home, or purchase covers to place over knobs to prevent them from being turned.Try flameless candles or another air freshener method. Whether you simply light the ambiance of candles, or it’s the aroma that can’t be beat, there are alternatives that double as pet fire protection.Secure power cords. Many pets like to chew on cords. Keep these out of reach of their teeth.

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Why Does My Dog Paw or "Dig" His Food Bowl?

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Guide Dog Trigger Retires After Fathering Over 300 Puppies

A nine-year-old golden retriever, nicknamed The Dogfather, is going to a well-earned retirement after fathering a grand total of 323 puppies. Trigger has spent his years being the star stud dog of Guide Dogs. This charity organization specializes in breeding and training guide dogs for people with visual impairment in the United Kingdom. Since the beginning of his stud career in December 2016, Trigger has fathered 39 litters, including a record-breaking litter with 16 puppies in 2021. According to Guide Dogs, 294 of Trigger’s puppies have been bred by the charity itself, and an additional 29 puppies by other assistance dog charities and guide dog schools, bringing his grand total to 323 puppies.The Dogfather’s final litter consisted of six puppies, including five daughters named Rita, Jenny, Hermione, Indy, and Sandy, and a son, named Billy. The last of Trigger's offspring are eight weeks old and about to start their guide dog training and will be living with volunteer puppy raisers for the next year. “Trigger’s legacy can be seen in the independence and confidence his progeny has brought to the lives of blind and partially sighted people all over Britain,” shared Guide Dogs in a news release. The Dogfather’s puppies have been affectionately nicknamed Triglets by guide dog owners and volunteers. These pups have been guiding visually impaired and partially sighted individuals across the United Kingdom, including London, Cardiff, Glasgow, and even the Isle of Wright. Two of Trigger’s litters have been bred abroad at guide dog organizations in France and the Netherlands, creating guide dog partnerships in both countries. “Trigger’s wonderful, gentle nature and excellent health have made him the perfect asset to our breeding program. We can’t overstate the impact that Trigger has in helping us to provide so many guide dogs for people with sight loss,” said Janine Dixon, Head of Breeding Operations at Guide Dogs. Dixon added the charity hopes that Billy, Trigger’s son, will continue his father’s legacy by joining the breeding program in a few years.“In the meantime, nine of his daughters, as well, as his half-French son Pierre, are helping us to bring forward a new generation of dogs with Trigger’s fantastic genes,” shared Guide Dogs.When it comes to Trigger’s future, he will spend his well-earned retirement in Branbury with his Breeding Dog Volunteer Sarah Bryne, who has been looking after him for the past seven years and will now officially adopt him. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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Rising Pet Care Costs Lead to More Surrenders

Thanks to a rising cost of living, more people are surrendering their pets to animal shelters or abandoning them on the street. According to Shelter Animals Count, the end of 2023 saw a whopping 250,000 more pets in shelters compared to a year prior. They’ve even seen a rise in the number of purebred dogs and puppies who entered shelters, and there aren’t enough animals being adopted.  Overcrowded Shelters Around the U.S.The stats say it all, and this heartbreaking problem is found all over the United States. For example, compared to 2022, Animal Care Centers of NYC saw the number of abandoned dogs they took in go up 41%, and they’d run out of space as of the start of 2024. Tragically, the shelter also euthanized a higher number of dogs (2% more) in 2023 compared to the previous year.     Animal shelters in Kentucky, such as Franklin County Humane Society, are also struggling to keep up as they deal with more surrenders and strays. The state’s shelters are full, and they’re having a hard time because so many people are giving up their pets as a result of rising costs.The Nevada Humane Society is yet another example of a shelter that has seen a rise in pet surrenders because people are finding it harder to afford their animals or they’re finding it difficult to locate housing that will let them keep their pets. In 2023, the shelter saw a 65% increase in the number of dogs that were surrendered to them.Financial Hardship and Housing Issues Are Driving ForcesWhy are so many people giving up their pets? Financial hardship and difficulty finding places to live that are affordable and accept pets are a couple of the big reasons. Many people struggle with the rising cost of living not only for themselves but also for their pets, as everything from pet food and supplies to veterinary care has gotten more expensive.  Shelters across the United States are doing what they can to encourage people to adopt and prevent people from surrendering their pets. For example, Animal Care Centers of NYC offered pet parents help in the form of training assistance, free food, and temporary boarding, and those efforts worked to avoid nearly 3,000 surrenders in 2023.  There Are Ways You Can HelpYou can do your part to support animal shelters and pet parents that are struggling. In addition to monetary donations, you can donate pet food. Or, you can offer to foster one or more animals who are currently waiting for their forever homes. And you can adopt a pet in need of a home—you might even find shelters in your area that have discounted adoption fees as a means to help people afford their new best friend.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

World’s Oldest Dog Posthumously Stripped of His Title

Last year, the world’s oldest dog was thought to be Bobi – who was reportedly  31 years old. However, a recent investigation into this claim led to him being posthumously stripped of the title by none other than Guinness World Records. The lofty title was suspended this January, as doubts rose about the dog’s reported age. Bobi lived in Portugal and sadly passed away last fall, and according to his owner, at a grand age of 31 years. However, a recent review by Guinness World Records revealed that they didn’t have the necessary evidence to support that claim."Without any conclusive evidence available to us right now, we simply can't retain Bobi as the record holder and honestly claim to maintain the high standards we set ourselves," Guinness Director of Records Mark McKinley said. "Of course, as with any record, we'll gladly assess any new evidence should we receive any."Before Guinness World Records actually grants a world record, they require ample evidence of a claim. Pictures, videos, statements from witnesses, documents, and anything similar are all required. And when pets are concerned, microchip data can also be examined. "Central to Bobi's evidence was microchip data sourced from the Portuguese government database, the SIAC, which it transpires, when chipped in 2022, did not require proof of age for dogs born before 2008," McKinley said. "With the additional veterinary statement provided as evidence for Bobi's age also citing this microchip data, we're left with no conclusive evidence which can definitively prove Bobi's date of birth."So, who is the real oldest dog in the world? Well, before Bobi’s lofty claim, there was the famous Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who held the record, being 29 years and 5 months old. But with these recent events, the future of this record will certainly change. McKinley claims that microchips need to be widely adopted around the world for serious claims to be made."Until that time, we'll require documentary evidence for all years of a pet's life, we'll continue to ask for vet and witness statements and we'll also consider microchip data as well where available," he added. "It's for this reason that we're not yet in a position to confirm a new holder for the record, although we certainly hope that the publicity around the record title encourages pet owners from around the world to get in touch."Sadly, Bobi died in October 2023, just months after celebrating what was reportedly his 31st birthday. He was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a native Portuguese dog breed that is known for its ability to protect livestock. These magnificent dogs have an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, and it was thought that Bobbi managed to live twice the time expected – but we’ll never know if that’s actually true or not.

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A New Survey Shows Both Pets and Owners Feel Separation Anxiety

When you really love spending time with your pet, and vice versa, it is only natural that you feel sad when you are apart. For pets, this is often manifested as the dreaded  separation anxiety, which can cause a lot of issues both for them and their owners alike. While you know you are coming back from work – unlike your pooch – so you won’t feel as stressed about the time you spend away from your pet, that doesn’t mean that it won’t affect your mental health. The latest  survey from PetMed Express only proves that separation has an effect both on dogs and their pawrents.The results of this survey were recently released after being conducted by OnePoll, and they show us that pet parents – unsurprisingly – while out away for work or chores, will deeply miss their four-legged friends back at home. And, interestingly, the poll shows that the strain only got worse after the owners had to return to their offices after the Covid pandemic and the time they spent in their homes. "This research confirms what we already know: People love their pets and prioritize being with them," said Matt Hulett, President and CEO of PetMeds. "What's eye-opening is how many pet parents feel their own sense of separation anxiety and loneliness when they're away from their pets – a concept that underscores the pivotal role our pets play in our lives."The results indicate that 4 in 10 pet parents said that they would rather accept a lower salary and work from home, just so they could be closer to their furry friends. It is a sad truth and an everyday occurrence that owners have to endure the commute and long work hours and yearn for the company of their pets all the while. PetMeds claims that pet parents begin to miss their pets just 37 minutes after being apart, on average. Furthermore, the results show that on average they find themselves thinking about their pets about 13 times per day. Here are some other stats included:44% expressed worry about their pets experiencing separation anxiety52% have felt an increase in their own separation anxiety in the past two years42% said they have observed a change in their pet's mental health and behavior in the past two years48% said their pets follow them to the door and look sad when they leave63% would like more support and guidance in understanding their pet's health and behavior70% would try pet telehealth servicesWhat about you? How do you cope with being separated from your cherished four-legged friend?

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Who said that there is no love between cats and dogs? This touching story proves that some bonds between a cat and a dog are so strong that one would risk their life for the other! The event took place in Edmond, Oklahoma, where a tiny pooch was miraculously saved from a vicious coyote attack– by none other than a feisty cat. At first glance, Oakley, a white Havanese dog, and Binx, a black cat, seem to belong to completely different worlds. But even so, they are family. Lane Dyer, the owner of the two, explains for Oklahoma News how the attack - and the daring rescue - came to be.“I was kind of inspired by it, quite frankly,” she said. The event occurred on November 30th, when the 6-year-old Havanese dog, Oakley, was let outside to go to the bathroom. “Out of nowhere she was attacked by a coyote,” said Dyer. Soon enough, another coyote came rushing.

Dog Rescued After Surviving a 60-foot Fall from Michigan Cliff

A family’s trip to one of Michigan’s most beautiful landmarks almost ended tragically, when their dog took a tumble from a cliff. The adventurous dog, named Dancer, was rescued after surviving a 60-foot fall from a cliff and spending a freezing night alone in the wilderness. The three-year-old pooch had escaped her leash and plunged off a steep cliff near Miners Castle, in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore area in Munising, Michigan. The lakeshore runs alongside Lake Superior and is located in Michigan’s Upper Penninsula. The National Park Service (NPS) shared in a news release that Dancer fell 60 feet off a cliff to a ledge below. The dog’s owners spent hours searching the area but were unable to find the dog and were convinced that she didn’t survive the fall. Rangers at the nearby Pictured Rocks Park received a message about the lost pooch and decided to enlist the help of Superior High Angle Rescue Professionals (SHARP), a local rope rescue team, to search for the dog. The following morning SHARP members Erik Olsen, Westley Shaffer, and Tyler Davis went to the area and were able to find Dancer, who was cold, but alive. “Though she has spent the night trying to keep warm, she was excited to see the rescuers,” the service wrote. Dancer, who was described as a “professional troublemaker” didn’t have any reported injuries. The lucky pooch has since been reunited with her family and is recovering well after spending the night alone in the wilderness. The park service noted that Dancer was extremely lucky and although her story has a happy ending, her fall should serve as a reminder to everyone that areas of Pictured Rocks can get very cold and extremely slippery.“With this year’s mild start to winter, many areas of Pictured Rocks are more accessible than they are most years,” Chief Ranger Joe Hughes explained. “It is still important to remember to be prepared for slippery, cold conditions that can change quickly.”Whether you’re planning to hit a local trail with your pooch or are planning a trip to a state park, keep your pooch on a leash. Make sure that your pup’s harness is fitted properly so that your pooch can’t wiggle out of it, even if it tries. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

According to ASPCA, These Are The Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2023

No matter how careful you are, accidents happen – this is particularly true when it comes to pet  poisoning cases. Not only that cats and dogs have some uncanny ability to get into stuff that they’re not supposed to get into, but you also can’t always know what things could be a potential toxin to them. And believe us when we say, there are a lot of potential pet toxins in an average household!The annual report by the  ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC)  only goes to prove this. Each year, they examine all the compiled data to determine which are the most commonly encountered pet toxins each year. It helps keep owners aware of the threats, and to keep vets always one step ahead. In 2023, the APCC was extra busy, having received hundreds of thousands of calls about items and substances that pets were exposed to. Incredibly, these substances totaled over 351,000!Even though they were contacted about such an imposing number of potentially hazardous substances, they managed to narrow down the most common culprits and compile the list of top 10 pet toxins in 2023, which will serve as a great reminder of what to look out for.Over-the-counter medications, including cold and flu medicines, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and vitamins and supplements. With 16.8% exposure, these medications are the number one threat in 2023. Almost every home has some sort of medications stored, and they aren’t always expertly hidden. Accidentally, pets can discover them and suffer many dire consequences if they ingest them. Human food and drink are almost equally as dangerous, with 16.2% reported calls. A lot of what we consume daily is toxic to pets. This can range from common items such as raisins, onions, garlic, grapes, or sweets, to more rare items such as protein drinks and bars, xylitol gums, and energy drinks. If your pet gets their paws on any of these, it can end up in an emergency vet visit. Prescription medications for humans are very dangerous to pets, and many reports were made in regard to inhalers, ADHD medications, heart medications, and similar. Prescription medications are often strong drugs and definitely not meant for pets.Chocolate is the number 4 threat for 2023. A staggering 13% of calls were related to this sweet. Dogs are mostly found consuming it as cats do not have sweet taste buds or the appetite of dogs. Still, chocolate is not meant for pets and can cause many side effects.Veterinary products are at number 5 with 8.3% reported exposures. Callers reported ingestion of chewable tablets or soft chews, many of them used for calming pets. Owners are urged to keep medicines locked away, as pets can like their sweet taste and go after them when you are not looking. Plants and fungi accounted for 8.1% of exposures. Dogs are inquisitive and can find these plants on their outdoor adventures. But many plants can cause a threat to dogs, so make sure to acquaint yourself with a list of toxic plants to look out for.Household products are also on this list, with 7.1% of exposures reported. Pets consumed various dangerous items, such as deoxidizer packets, batteries, and various miscellanea lying around the house. Be aware of what’s lying around that’s easy to reach.Rodenticides are a major threat to pets. People can use poisons to get rid of pests, but our pets don’t know that. If they ingest them, it can be extremely dangerous, leading to kidney failure, bleeding, and even death. When you are out on walks, always be careful what is lying around. Insecticides are almost the same. People use bug sprays, ant baits, and poisonous powders all over the place. Always make sure that the area you are in is free from anything that can be a threat to your pet. Recreational drugs are last but not least. With substances such as marijuana becoming increasingly legal, pets can come in contact with them as well. But there are also hallucinogenic substances such as mushrooms, especially psilocybin, and muscarine, which can be very harmful to pets. 

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