The sad truth about about poisoning and emergencies in the home is that they usually occur with normal everyday household items. The more you can educate yourself on these undercover hazards, the better you can protect your pets. As you know at PetHub we are committed to keeping every family’s pets safe and happy. Here are some household items to be aware of so you can keep it that way.
1. Medications. Even simple Tylenol and/or ibuprofen can be lethal to dogs. Always keep medications in child-proof containers.
2. Anti-freeze. If you own a car you'll be using more of this stuff as the weather gets colder. Unfortunately, it has a sweet taste that many animals like and it's lethal if ingested.
3. Exposed electrical wires. Puppies and kittens will chew on just about anything. Be sure to tape down wires and keep them out of the paws and claws of playful pets.
4.Pesticides & Herbicides. Even if you have indoor pets, these chemicals can leak into neighboring yards and harm your neighborhood pets. Use natural alternatives whenever possible.
5. Pest Traps. Though these are meant for rodents and insects, your dog doesn’t know that. If you have to use pest traps, be certain that your pets cannot get near them.
6. Houseplants. Many common everyday houseplants such as lilies, poinsettias, tulips, pothos, and even English ivy are poisonous to pets. If you’re not sure if you have poisonous plants in your home the ASPCA has this great list.
7. Fertilizers. Many dogs LOVE the foul smell of fertilizer and can't wait to roll in it! However, most commercial fertilizers have pesticides, herbicides, minerals, and other chemicals that are harmful to pets.
8. Household cleaners. Most people know that household cleaners can be lethal if ingested. But, did you know that they can also cause mild allergic reactions in some pets? The strong scent and residue left behind can skin irritations, watery eyes, and even difficulty breathing.
9. Coins. Coins shouldn't seem that dangerous but if you have one of those dogs that will swallow just about anything, then be on the lookout! The high levels of zinc, iron, and other trace metals are dangerous to dogs-- and can cause liver and kidney failure.
10. Tobacco and alcohol. This may sound like common sense, but many pets will seek out tobacco and alcohol products. Some dogs love beer and some kittens might think a cigarette butt is a fun toy--but both of these things can cause your pet to become dangerously ill. So take extra care to keep things away from your pets.
Looking for more ways to prepare for your pet? To help keep your pets safe and out of harm's way, we recommend gates, dog-proof containers, and more from Chew! Click the banner below to check them out!