Hazards For Pets In The Home

What are the main dangers for pets around the home?

Many pet owners are aware of the most common dangers to pets – such as antifreeze, weed killer and certain types of food. However, there are many other everyday household items that pose just as serious a danger.

If you’re worried your pet is sick or injured as a result of any of these, please contact your vet as soon as possible, or find your nearest Vets Now pet emergency clinic or Vets Now 24/7 hospital.

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1. Household chemicals

Cleaning products often contain highly toxic chemicals, so it’s important to ensure these are kept safely shut away from your pet. Pets also like the smell and taste of antifreeze and windscreen washer so tightly cover containers and wipe up any spills.

2. Electrical cords

Electrocution or burns from electrical cords is a particular risk for puppies and kittens as they tend to chew things more than older dogs, so young pets should always be monitored carefully and exposure to electric cords minimised.

3. Houseplants

Many houseplants, including dieffenbachia, elephant ear and spider plants, are poisonous. Remove them or put them out of reach in hanging baskets. Several outdoor plants, like ivy and oleander, can also be poisonous to pets.

4. Windows and balconies

Screen windows to guard against falls and don’t let pets out on balconies.

5. Human medicines

Only ever give your pet medicines that have been prescribed by your vet. Human painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol can be deadly for dogs and cats. Vitamin and mineral supplements are also potentially dangerous so ensure these are kept out of reach.

6. Prescribed pet medicines

If your pet has been prescribed medicine by the vet ensure you follow the instructions on the packaging carefully and if you aren’t sure, call your vet to double check. If the medicine has been designed to be palatable, it’s important to ensure it’s stored away as it may prove to be too tempting.

7. Batteries

If your pet chews and pierces a battery it can cause chemical burns and heavy metal poisoning. This is particularly dangerous if he chews it first and then swallows it. Batteries can also cause an obstruction if swallowed whole. All batteries are potentially toxic so if you suspect your dog has chewed or swallowed one contact your vet.

8. Coins

Coins should be kept away from your pet, particularly pennies as they are made with zinc which is toxic to animals if ingested.

9. Plastic bags

These pose a danger of choking or suffocation so ensure they’re kept out of reach.

10. Paper shredders

To reduce the risks posed by shredders, keep the shredder turned off when unattended and only operate it when your pet is not present. Don’t ever use a shredder to shred food wrappers and if possible opt for a device with a protective bar or cover to minimise any danger.

11. Carbon monoxide

Just like humans, pets are vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning, which is why we should ensure fuel-fired heaters are correctly maintained. This is particularly relevant if your dog sleeps next to the boiler or any other area where carbon monoxide may be present. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, remove your pet to fresh air immediately and contact your vet. Symptoms include drowsiness, lethargy and weakness. You can purchase carbon monoxide detectors in most hardware stores.

12. Washing machines and tumble dryers

Keep washing machine and tumble dryers closed as your pet may climb in and become trapped. Always check before you put a load on.

13. Toilets

Keep toilet lids down to stop your pet falling in – it has been known to happen.