The moment you decide to get a pet, you know that you are taking on a great responsibility, because you are adding a new member to the family. But it's not only important for the care, protection, and affection you have to give them, but you also have to keep in mind that there are certain objects or materials that are dangerous for animals.
How many times have you read the package insert of a medication or product warnings and it states "keep out of reach of children"? Probably many. The same thing happens with pets.
Pets are happy at home; they feel loved and protected. However, this does not mean that there cannot be certain dangers to their health, which can be serious to some extent.
To protect pets, it is sometimes necessary to take some precautions; such as not leaving certain things within their reach, not exposing them to certain harmful substances, and even monitoring them to some extent.
What dangers for pets are hidden in the home?
Below, we list 6 things that can be dangerous for your pet, both for dogs and cats, and should be kept out of their reach:
1. Human food
Most veterinarians do not recommend feeding pets human food, because many ingredients, due to their preparation or manufacturing, are not suitable for their bodies and can make them sick. Among them, onions and garlic are very strong and can cause gastrointestinal irritation in both dogs and cats if consumed. Chocolate, due to its sugar content, is also not recommended, as it can cause vision problems. Grapes and raisins are other foods that are toxic to pets.
Therefore, human food scraps, by themselves, should be kept away from canines and felines, as they can harm them.
2. Cleaning products
Cleaning products should always be kept out of reach of both children and animals. They contain harmful chemical substances for pets. In many cases, the danger is not only that they might ingest them, but also that they might come into contact with their skin, which can often cause burns.
3. Plants
Cats, in particular, love certain plants, such as catnip. However, many others are poisonous to both cats and dogs, so when you buy a plant, find out if it is safe for your pet. You should be careful with hydrangeas, poinsettias, and ivy.
4. Plastics
Some animals are keen on destroying everything and gnawing on it, even eating it. Try to avoid leaving plastics or paper within their reach, as they can choke and it is harmful to their health if they ingest it.
5. Medicines
Some human medications are very toxic to pets. Whenever you want to give them medication, it is recommended to consult your veterinarian. Therefore, at home, keep it out of their reach.
6. Insecticides
When good weather arrives, the first insects start to appear, whether they are ants, mosquitoes, spiders... And normally, insecticides are used to avoid them. If you have a pet, you have to be very careful, because the chemicals they contain are toxic to them. Therefore, it is recommended to spray them in areas far from your pet's bed or feeders.
In addition to these six things, there may be many more hidden dangers in the house for your pet. In many cases, your pet's allergies influence whether something in the home harms them.
It is always recommended to speak with your trusted veterinarian if you have any questions about certain foods or substances that could be dangerous for your pet.