Now that you have picked a pet for your home, there are a few things you should know about pet safety. If you have ever had a baby in your home you are one step ahead in knowing how to pet proof your home. Many of the things you safeguard your baby or toddler from will also work for your new pet. You probably already know the basics. Removing choking hazards from your pet’s reach and keeping poisonous materials away from little mouths. There are a few things that are not quite as obvious. Let’s go through the house to uncover some hidden dangers for your Pet and remind you of the basic cautions.
The Kitchen
Some of the biggest pet dangers can be found in the kitchen. Make sure that food and cleaners are out of reach from your active and curious pet. Cleaning products, when used properly, are usually safe for you pets but always check the directions and read the warning labels and make sure you follow the recommended handling procedures. Sometimes they will recommend that you wait a certain amount of time before allowing your pet back in the area you cleaned or make sure that the product is completely dry. Always make sure there is proper ventilation in the room for the fumes to escape. Birds in particular are very sensitive to fumes. Products containing bleach must be properly mixed. Too much bleach can irritate humans but can also cause health problems and chemical burns to your pet. Cats in particular are sensitive to certain phenols.
Garbage cans are also dangerous for pets. Many dogs and cats like to go dumpster diving for scraps and treats found in the trash. Your trash-can, can hold many more hidden dangers then you may not even think about. Rotting food can be producing mold and bacteria that can cause serious illness to your pet. Choking hazards are abundant in the trash can, like soda lids and plastic wrap, just to name a few. Put a lid on the garbage can and keep it closed at all times.
Perhaps the most important thing to know is what foods are dangerous to your pet. It is never a good idea to feed your pet scraps for dietary reasons, but just in case you can’t resist those puppy dog eyes, NEVER give them the following foods.
coffee grounds/tea
grapes/raisins
chocolate
onions
yeast
dough
macadamia nuts
fatty/salty foods
garlic
avocado
gum, candy and breath mints,
containing xylitol.
Bathrooms
The same rule applies to bathroom trash. Be aware that what you are tossing may be a choking hazard like Q-tips and used razor blades. Toothpaste can also be a potential danger. An item you might not think about is dental floss. Dental floss can be a potential choking hazard but it also does not digest well. It can get tangled in the intestines and act as a razor to sensitive organs.
If your pet likes to steal an occasional drink from the potty, make sure you are not using a slow releasing cleaning agent and keep the lid down at all times. Liquid potpourri is another potential danger. One of the biggest hidden dangers to your pet is mothballs. They contain naphthalene and just one mothball can cause your pet to have seizures, liver, kidney, blood cell damage, coma and even death! Last but not least be careful with your medication’s. Make sure your meds are put away and never give human meds to your pet. Things as basic as aspirin and ibuprofen can make your pet very sick.
Outside and in the Garage
Always make sure your garage chemicals are absolutely out of reach to both your children and your pets. This includes things like insecticides, pesticides, fertilizers and painting materials. Read labels, and look at the warnings and always use proper handling and disposal procedures. Wait the appropriate amount of time before allowing your pet back in the yard. Ethylene Glycol, commonly found in coolant and antifreeze, is fatal to all pets even in very small doses.
Both inside and outside plants can be poisonous to your pet. To view a complete list you can visit www.apcc.aspca.org. Lily of the Valley, Oleander, Azalea, Fox Glove and Rhododendron are a few on the top of the list. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned stay calm, but do not wait o call for help. Time can be a critical factor in treatment. Call your veterinarian as soon as possible and be prepared with information about your pet breed, size, age and weight and what you think the pet may have gotten a hold of. Tell your vet all the symptoms and if possible have the product or sample to help determine identification.
If you don’t have your vet’s phone number handy you can call an animal poison control center.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC)
1-888-426-4433 or 1-888-4-ANI-HELP
or
National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPPC)
1-900-680-0000 or 1-800-548-2423
The best way to show your new pet that you care is to be a responsible pet owner and safe guard your pet from danger!
One personal note…Kittens like to counter jump! Keep certain doors closed such as the bathroom or your pet may miss the counter top and fall and break or sprain a hip or other bones. You can not split a pets legs very well. Also do not let medications on your counter where the dog can jump up and eat the entire bottle. I have experienced both of these situations…And believe me… it can be very expensive.
Info was obtained and paraphrased from www. animalplanet.com and from ASPCA
Angela & Mardella, A-1 Pet Care From SleepEas-ZZ…Your In-Home Pet Sitting Service… www.sleepeaszz.com
July 31st, 2013 - 9:48 pm
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