As a pet owner, you only want the best for your little animal companion. It is also your responsibility to make sure that they are safe in your care and that you can provide them with everything that they need. While visits to the vet, regular meals, and a cuddle will all help show your pet love and devotion, there are other things you need to watch out for at home that could be a danger to them. Below are some common hazards for pets that can be found in your home to look out for.
Household Cleaning Products
Cleaning products are one of the biggest hazards to everyone in your household, including your pets! While you might understand not to ingest bleach or other chemicals, your pets do not. Even keeping your cleaning products locked away in a cabinet that is out of reach isn’t always as effective as you might think. If your pet decides to lick a surface that has recently been wiped down with one of these products, they could get severely sick or die. If this ever happens, take your pet to the vet clinic or hospital immediately for treatment. To avoid this altogether, consider investing in non-toxic, pet-friendly cleaning products instead.
Trash Cans
While you might keep your trash cans covered until you take them out for the garbage trucks, pets can still find their way into them if you’re not careful. Where possible, try to keep your bins in a room that your pet doesn’t have access to or in a closed cupboard in the kitchen. This will reduce the odds of your pet getting into the trash and consuming something toxic or that they might choke on/cut themselves on, etc. You can find out more about what foods might be toxic to pets by visiting a clinic like veterinarianplanotx.com or using online resources.
Medicines
Another thing you have to watch out for is leaving medications in places where your pet can get to them. If they accidentally ingest pills or other forms of medication, this could risk overdose or making them ill. Even something like paracetamol could prove lethal to your furry friend! Always make sure your medication is somewhere that your pets can’t get to. If they are taking medication, speak to your vet about the advised dosage and also keep this out of reach.
Houseplants
While pretty plants dotted around your home might make it look aesthetically pleasing, a lot of species are toxic to pets. Do some research into the houseplants you own and check if they could be potentially poisonous to your pet. If they are, either get rid of them or move them to a part of the house that your pet does not have access to. You should also remember this if anyone sends you flowers, some of the blooms in the arrangement might pose the same problem. There are many things to watch out for in your home if you want to keep your pet safe, but the above are all good places to start.
