Did you know that pets can often be involved in unintentionally starting a house fire? As a knowledgeable and proactive pet parent, here are some things to keep in mind to keep your home and your family safe.

• No open flames

Pets are naturally curious about fire and flames. That means they may want to bat at a fire or accidentally knock a candle over with an over-exuberant tail wag. Never leave your pet unattended near an open flame – be it a candle, a stove, or a fireplace. If you do use candles, make sure to purchase the flameless kind. They are a bit pricier, but well worth the peace of mind.

• Cover stove knobs

Curious paws can very easily turn the knobs on a stove and set something nearby (e.g., a dish towel or oven mitt) on fire. Jumping up to get something on the counter may be all it takes to accidentally turn a knob. You can decrease the risk of this happening by purchasing stove knob covers (such as those sold for baby-proofing) or by removing the knobs when you are not there.

• Beware of glass bowls

Did you ever try to set a leaf on fire using a magnifying glass and the sun? Well the same thing can happen with a water-filled glass bowl outside on a wooden deck. Be sure to use a ceramic or stainless steel bowl instead.

In the event that there is a fire in your home, be sure you have a rescue alert sticker in your window that will alert fire fighters that there are pets inside and how many there are. These stickers are available for free at Best Friends Pet Care, or you can purchase them at a pet supply store.

You should also be sure that your pets have collars with current contact information on them. During a chaotic time such as a fire, they will be panicked and try to escape and current contact information will increase the odds that they will be reunited with you.

From all of us at Best Friends, we hope you and your furry family members have a fun and safe summer!