Household Hazards That Threaten Overall Pet Safety
Every household has their fair share of potential risks to pets. Pet proofing is essential before adopting a new best friend, but it’s equally important to continue the habit throughout their life, too.
Without a daily approach to pet safety, unfortunate accidents can occur that result in emergency care, long term health ramifications, or worse.
Tour the House
Establish pet safety in and around the home by taking a close look. Get down on the floor to see possible risks at your pet’s eye and nose level. After all, since your pet experiences their world through their sense of smell, it makes sense to try and control what’s available to them at all times.
In the Kitchen
While we’d love to be able to share all the tasty food we enjoy with our best friends, the fact is that they simply cannot eat the same things.
Coffee, alcohol, tea, fatty foods, chocolate, avocado, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts and any products that contain the artificial sweetener Xylitol (check your peanut butter!) should always be stored securely, preferably in airtight containers behind closed cabinet doors. Be sure to keep countertops clear, and always take out the trash to secure bins outside.
The Laundry Room
There are many products labelled “pet safe”. If you use a cleaner or disinfectant without that designation in your home, be sure that your pet is either safely enclosed in a well-ventilated room away from the smell, or outside. Wait until the product before allowing your pet access.
Depending on the cleaning agent and the duration, some pets can become dangerously ill following exposure. Be watchful for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, drooling, sensitivity, and respiratory irritation.
Proper and secure storage is always necessary for cleaning products, detergents, and the like.
Meds and More
Pets should never have access to pill bottles, boxes, or containers. This goes for prescription and OTC drugs, vitamins, diet pills, ibuprofen or Tylenol, and more. Even medicines for your pets shouldn’t be left out.
Always keep bathroom counters clear, medicines stored in the cabinet, and do not leave bags or purses on the floor for your pet to sniff through.
Never Safe to Assume
Wires, pennies, liquid potpourri, essential oil diffusers, mothballs, push pins, screws, buttons, jewelry, marijuana or tobacco products threaten overall pet safety. Always pick up loose or stray items even if they seem harmless, like a piece of floss or string.
The Natural World
Lilies, Sago palms, amaryllis, azaleas, pothos, crocus, and more might not have a place in your house or garden. This is especially true for pets that like to chew and sample, but to truly avoid a pet emergency, hold off from bringing home unsafe potted plants or placing bulbs in beds.
More Ways to Reach Pet Safety
Any paints, solvents, mineral spirits, fertilizers, pest controls, antifreeze, and other products containing heavy metals or volatile chemicals should always be stored behind closed cabinet doors, and never on the garage or shed floor. Always clean up leaks promptly.
Know and Check
Pet safety is a huge priority for pet owners and veterinarians alike. Knowing the signs of uncharacteristic behavior can key you into something that’s amiss. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns about pets safety. We’re always here for you at Blue Valley Animal Hospital.