Safe Haven: Pet Safety at Home
It happens to even the most dedicated and vigilant pet owners… After several years of completely ignoring the bookshelf philodendron, the family pet decides to give those leaves a try. Or, they get a wild hair to excavate the contents of your guests’ handbag, only to lick up a stray pill. The truth is that while a pet’s home should be free of harmful objects or ingredients, certain threats to pet safety may likely remain within paw’s touch without seasonal reminders.
Pet Safety
Owners of older pets can usually recall the greats lengths they went to ensuring that younger versions of Fluffy or Fido couldn’t find any trouble in their new home. Certainly, most items in the house begin to fade to the background as pets age, but all pets – young and old – can be exposed to illness or injury when you least expect it.
Pantry and Kitchen
Many pets won’t register anything but cheese, meat, and peanut butter in the kitchen, but it’s imperative that they never get a chance to eat:
- Garlic or onion
- Grapes and raisins
- Macadamia nuts
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Chocolate
- Xylitol (a super toxic sugar alternative)
- Avocado
- Moldy or rotten food (always be sure that your garbage can is pet-resistant)
Many pet owners keep their pet’s flea and tick medication (and other veterinary drugs) on the kitchen counter to help remind them to give it to their pet’s on a regular basis. Please be aware that if your pet gets into their medications, the side effects could be life-threatening.
Similarly, the kitchen typically houses a plant or two. Be careful to only display greenery that you know is safe for pets in the case that they chew or eat the leaves.
Bathroom and Beyond
The obvious dangers to pet safety in the bathroom involve cleaners. If a product label does not explicitly say it is safe for pets, it must be securely stored. Bleach, toilet bowl cleaner, any products with ammonia, and more are off-limits. As a side note, if you do use these, let your pet outside until surfaces are dry, and be sure to have cross-ventilation.
Additionally, human medications (prescription and over-the-counter) are highly toxic to pets. Cosmetics, feminine hygiene products, diapers, and more must be carefully contained.
Garden & Garage
Controlling pests is a big part of home ownership, but products designed to kill bugs, slugs, rodents, and weeds are also incredibly poisonous to pets. Store these and other chemicals off the floor or shelving where your pet can reach. If you have to use them, be sure to restrict your pet’s access.
Fertilizers, cocoa mulch, and many other lawn and garden products are not considered safe for use around pets. Purchase products that are pet friendly whenever possible.
The garage can be home to paint thinners, tools, and antifreeze, all of which pose certain risks to pets. Always supervise, or do not allow your pets to sniff around at all.
You Know Them
Your know your pet better than anyone. If you sense that something isn’t right with them, please let us know at Animal Medical Hospital. We’re always here for your pet for emergency or critical care. Staying on top of their health concern is always worth the peace of mind.