Your home can hold a lot of unrecognized dangers for your pet. Many common food items or household products can sicken or even kill animals. However, a few simple precautions can help keep your pet safe.
Pets are not “mini people.” Animals react to substances in food and medicines completely differently than people do, so just because something doesn’t make a person sick doesn’t mean it is okay for a pet. Also, most pets are much smaller than people, so what may seem like a harmless amount of a food or drug can make them ill.
Choking Hazards/Blockages
From children’s toys to parts of their own toys they managed to get off dogs are at risk of blockage or choking when chewing on objects that are not food. Never leave rubber or easily destroyed toys with your pet unattended. Do not leave the single hole treat balls with your pet unattended (cases of dogs getting cheeks/tongues stock in them or even getting them stuck in their throat and choking have been reported), and always be aware of what your pet is putting in its mouth. Keep dangerous items, or items that should not be chewed on picked up and to prevent many issues start training early.
Cleaning Products
Read the warning labels on the household cleaning products you use, and store as directed.
Garage Chemicals
Any chemical in your garage can be dangerous to pets. Antifreeze, in particular, can be deadly. Store all chemicals out of reach of your pet (just as you would for children), and carefully mop up any spills.
Garbage Cans
These contain our waste, plastic, glass, cans, dangerous items our pets might get into and consume, if not toxic to the pet it could lead to intestinal damage. Ensure all harmful chemical/ poison items are thrown away outside in locked bins and not in household cans. Tall lock lid garbage cans prevent nosey pups from getting into trouble, or consider placing the can in a locked cabinet or closest where the dog cannot get into for its safety.
Garden Products
Cocoa mulch, fertilizers, and compost piles are also unsafe for pets. Make sure any mulch or fertilizer you apply to your yard is safe for pets to play in (and possibly eat). Keep your pet out of areas treated with toxic products. Compost piles can grow bacteria and fungi that are highly toxic to pets, so if you have a compost pile, make sure your pet cannot get into it and don’t compost dairy or meat items.
Household Cleaners
Common products such as Windex or Bleach might smell good to dogs, or their bottles are fun to chew on and it can lead to your pet getting seriously hurt or even their death. Keep any and all cleaners locked away in cabinets that cannot be easily reached or accidentally left open for your dog to explore.
Outdoor Hazards
If you have a garage, shed, or garden, you probably have at least some of the following:
Pest Poisons
Poisons meant to kill rodents, insects, or weeds are very common causes of poisoning in pets. Be very careful about how you apply and store any poisons around your home. If you apply rodent bait, be aware of your pet getting ahold of the deceased rodent.
Plants
Learn which plants can be toxic to pets and under what circumstances. Tomatoes, for example, are in the nightshade family. Many lilies, flowers, and common ornamental shrubs can be toxic.
Veterinary medicines that are given incorrectly (e.g., wrong medicine, wrong amount)
Pets are like children, keep all medical supplies picked up and safely away from wondering noses.
Pets are curious. If something smells good, they’ll eat it. If they can get into a container, they will. Be aware of what substances may be toxic to your pet, and store and use them safely.
- Be aware of what substances may be toxic to your pet, and store and use them safely.
- If you think your pet has eaten something poisonous, call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately.
