That’s right—your home likely already contains at least a few of the following pet toxins. Luckily, all it takes is awareness and a few precautionary measures to keep your furry friend safe! Learn more below from your Cherry Hill, NJ animal hospital.
Human Foods
Of course, many foods in your kitchen aren’t safe for pets to consume. The list is quite long and includes grapes and raisins, onions, avocado, chives, garlic, salt, chocolate, candy, gum, macadamia nuts, fatty foods, and alcohol, among others. It’s important that you don’t leave anything harmful lying around on kitchen countertops or tables where pets could swipe it down.
Human Medicines
Did you know that common aspirin can be toxic to pets if enough is ingested? Various over-the-counter drugs, prescription medications, antidepressants, and more are also dangerous. Since some pets can chew through child-proof plastic bottle caps, it’s imperative that you never leave mediations where pets could reach them. Also, take care not to mix your own medications with those of your pet; accidentally switching two up could prove very dangerous!
Pest Control Products
Do you place pesticides around your home to take care of roaches, outdoor rodents, or other pests? Use these products with extreme caution—remember, they’re poisons designed to kill the creatures who come in contact with them. If a pet were to ingest the poisonous substance, serious health problems or even death could result. Ask your veterinarian about alternative, pet-safe pest control options.
Cleaning Supplies
Have you looked at the ingredient list on your cleaning solutions lately? Just about every household cleaner, bleach, solvent, ammonia, polish, or air freshener contains at least one substance that a pet shouldn’t have. Keep your pet elsewhere if you’re using these products in a room, and store cleaners in a locked supply closet or cabinet when not in use.
Toxic Plants and Flowers
Many houseplants and flowers in and around your home can actually be toxic to pets. The list includes lilies, tulips, daffodils, poinsettias, azalea, oleander, ivy, the sago palm, various aloe plants, rubber plants, and many more. Ask your veterinarian for a complete list of toxic plants and flowers, and ask which ones are most common in your area. Take steps to remove these pet toxins from your home if you have planted them.
Ask your Cherry Hill, NJ veterinarian about more ways to prevent an episode of poisoning in your home.
