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Keeping your pet safely at home is probably the most effective way to reduce risks. Once pets leave your property, they can be exposed to an enormous number of natural and man-made poisons, not to mention the many other hazards that exist beyond the safety of your gate.

Most dogs and cats have a natural tendency to roam and they are very resourceful about finding weak links in the barriers you have created to keep them at home. A strong fence around your property is the best solution to keeping Fido and Fluffy at home, but they can be expensive to build and may not be allowed in your neighborhood. In that case, your options -- and your pet's freedom -- are limited. One option is to keep your dog or cat inside at all times, except for supervised walks on a leash. This is probably a poor choice except for cats or very small dogs. You may also want to consider a tether for your dog, preferably one that is hooked to a "run-line" that gives your pet more freedom to move about. A third option is to build a small kennel or enclose part of your property for the exclusive use of your pet. This option restricts your pet to only a portion of your property, but gives the animal freedom from a leash or tether. Still another option is to install an "invisible fence", which usually consists of an underground electrical system that rings the perimeter of your property and gives dogs a warning signal when they approach too close to the property line. This system is also expensive and requires some training.

Keep Your Pet Safe...