Pet Safety: Six Dangers In Your Home You May Not Even Be Aware Of

Most people don’t think twice about the dangers in their home that may pose a health and safety risk to their pets. A number of common items in your home can be deadly for cats, dogs, birds, and even other small pets. It’s important to know what these pet safety risks are so you can control their exposure and usage and protect the life of your furry family members.

Six Pet Safety Risk Lurking in Your Home

Lily Plants

Lilies are a danger to cats. All lilies are poisonous and can kill your cat quickly. Everyone knows how much cats like to chew and inspect houseplants, so the risk is not worth it. Poinsettias are also in the category of toxic plants. It’s better to be safe than sorry. You may also want to consider keeping them out of your yard as well. Neighborhood strays could still eat them and suffer.

Common Household Cleaners

If the smell of bleach and cleaning supplies bothers you, imagine how your cat or dog feels. Birds are even more sensitive to these chemicals. Dogs and cats tend to lick floors where they can ingest the chemicals easily. Choose pet-safe cleaning supplies that use natural ingredients. If you have children, this will protect them too.

Xylitol

This artificial sweetener is in many food products. It can be found in yogurt, snacks, gum, and dozens of other food items. It can be very toxic to dogs especially. You may share your yogurt or ice cream with your dog as a treat, but be careful and check ingredients before doing this. You may end up with an expensive vet bill and a sick pet.

Bug Killer

When spring and summer rolls around, bugs are hard to avoid. It’s a natural reaction to want to spray your home or set out traps. These poisons can end up on your floor or walls where your pet can get into them and harm themselves. There are natural solutions for keeping bugs away, but if that isn’t an option, make sure to keep an eye on your pet and confine them as you treat your home for insects.

Squeaky Toys

Every dog owns a squeaky toy, but most people don’t think twice about the squeaker inside of it. If your dog tears a hole in a toy, it is best to remove the fluff and the squeak mechanism. These are choking hazards and can result in intestinal blockages. The toy will be just as fun. There are also alternative toys out there with safer squeakers and no stuffing.

Teflon Cooking Pans

This is an issue if you have birds. Teflon is released into the air as you cook, and it is a greater hazard if you cook on high heat. This can be toxic to pet birds and can result in respiratory issues or early death. To be extra safe, avoid using non-stick pans made with teflon. Keeping your bird away from the kitchen helps too.

Pet safety is tricky, but there are always things lurking in your home that you may not think of. Be cautious and evaluate all new products in the home the way you would for a child. Be sure to visit a pet expert, like those at Chester Valley Veterinary Hospital, if your pet is showing symptoms after eating something around the home. Proper and quick care is vital for a better outcome.