PET SAFETY AROUND THE HOUSE
Because pets might not know which shoes cost a fortune versus which ones are okay to chew on, or exactly how dangerous bleach is to drink, it is up you (the pet owner) to keep your furry friends safe from possibly harmful items left around the house. Listed below are some tips on keeping your house pet-friendly.
THE MOST COMMON HOUSEHOLD KILLER FOR OUR FURRY FRIENDS
According to the APCC, the most common and most deadly pills include ibuprofen, tramadol, alprazolam, adderall, zolpidem, clonazepam, acetaminophen, naproxen, duloxetine, and venlafaxine.[1] In the same way that people cannot ingest pills that are not prescribed to them, pets cannot ingest human pills that are obviously not prescribed to them. Some ways to avoid these dangers include not leaving pills or pill bottles within reach of your pet, even sitting on a counter. Always be sure to contact your veterinarian if your pet has ingested medication that is not prescribed to them, and be sure to never give your pet medication before first consulting a veterinarian.
KEEP TOXINS AWAY FROM YOUR PET
Specifically in kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room cabinets, using a latch to lock cupboards can make it easier to ensure that pets do not get into dangerous products.[2] Child proof locks can be purchased in most department stores, including Walmart and Publix. Moreover, garages may also contain toxins such as chemicals used in the yard, to poison bugs, or for cars. These substances are extremely harmful to animals, and should be kept away at all costs.
GET RID OF POISONOUS PLANTS
While surely beautiful and serving as a nice household decoration, certain plants such as holly and Easter lily are deadly to animals and should be kept out of homes with pets. However, all plants have the potential to be harmful, therefore in-house plants should be kept high and away from pets. Because non-toxic plants are not expected to be life-threatening, pets can unknowingly to the owner become sick due to such. In case of emergencies, there is a Poison Control Center, and they can be reached at (888) 426-4435.[3]
CHOKING HAZARDS
Dangers that often aren’t spoken about are the various choking hazards at risk for cats. In the same way that we would with human babies, we need to ensure that our baby felines are not getting into anything that could possibly serve as a choking hazard. Common dangers may include string and yarn, rubber bands and hair ties, and dental floss, however, there are many other, less common dangers such as aluminum foil.[4] In regards to string and yarn, these can be extremely fun and engaging toys for your cat. When left unsupervised, these can be deadly. Cats may get wrapped up in the string and get strangled, or they may attempt to eat the yarn and choke. Ensure that these choking hazards are kept away from your pet, and always supervise your cat while they play with yarn, to avoid choking or other dangers.
OTHER HAZARDS
Common hazards often left around the house but that should be kept away from animals include a plethora of items. This includes batteries, medicine, razors or other sharp utensils, electrical cords, small choking hazards, tobacco, etc. Storing these items out of reach from pets is essential to the overall safety of your animal.
FOOD SAFETY
When discussing overall household safety for animals, it’s important to discuss foods that are hazardous to animal’s overall health and safety. This can include foods such as grapes, mushrooms, chocolate, raw egg, meat bones, garlic, avocados. This can also include coffee, toothpaste, candy. As a general rule, molded and spoiled food should also be kept away from pets. Pets can remain safe from these foods by ensuring that owners keep the trash securely stored, out of reach on the counter, placed on higher tabletops, and ensuring that family members and guests are not sneaking any unwanted foods to the pet.[5]
CREATE BARRIERS FOR YOUR PET
A solid way to keep pets out of areas where there are potentially harmful items is by installing a gate to act as a barrier, making it impossible for your pets to sneak into any rooms without your permission. This can be essential to the overall safety of your pet.
Ultimately, pet owners should be mindful of the items in their household that may be potentially dangerous or toxic to their pets. This can be done through various precautionary steps, however, if your pet does get into something that it shouldn’t, measures can be taken to ensure further health and safety for your pet.
REFERENCES
“9 Most Common Choking Hazards For Cats.” IHeartCats.com, 19 July 2016, iheartcats.com/9-most-common-choking-hazards-for-cats/.
“Home Safety Guide for Pet Owners.” Expertise, www.expertise.com/home-and-garden/pet-safety-guide.
“How to Keep Your Cat off the Kitchen Counter.” The Purrfect Post, www.purrfectpost.com/how-to-keep-your-cat-off-the-kitchen-counter/.
“Poisonous Plants.” ASPCA, www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants.
Shojai, Amy. “5 Tips for Dog Safety Around the Home.” PetCareRx, 19 Jan. 1970, www.petcarerx.com/article/5-tips-for-dog-safety-around-the-home/80.
Avma.org, www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Poison-pills-for-pets.aspx. ↑
Shojai, Amy. “5 Tips for Dog Safety Around the Home.” PetCareRx, 19 Jan. 1970, www.petcarerx.com/article/5-tips-for-dog-safety-around-the-home/80. ↑
“Poisonous Plants.” ASPCA, www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants. ↑
“9 Most Common Choking Hazards For Cats.” IHeartCats.com, 19 July 2016, iheartcats.com/9-most-common-choking-hazards-for-cats/. ↑
“Home Safety Guide for Pet Owners.” Expertise, www.expertise.com/home-and-garden/pet-safety-guide. ↑