When you decide to get a pet, you know that you are taking on a great responsibility, because you are welcoming a new member into the family. But it is important not only because of the care, protection, and affection you must give them, but also because you 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 for a medication or the warnings on a product and seen “keep out of reach of children”? Probably many times. The same applies to pets.
Pets at home are happy and 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, you sometimes need to take certain precautions, such as not leaving certain things within their reach, not exposing them to harmful substances, and even supervising 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, whether a dog or a cat, and that should be kept out of their reach:
1. Human food
Most veterinarians do not recommend giving pets human food, because many ingredients, due to how they are prepared or manufactured, are not suitable for their bodies and can make them sick. These include onions and garlic, which are very potent and can cause gastrointestinal irritation in both dogs and cats if eaten. Chocolate is also not recommended because of its sugar content, as it can cause vision problems. Grapes and raisins are other foods that are toxic to pets.
Therefore, human food scraps should, in general, be kept away from dogs and cats because they can harm them.
2. Cleaning products
Cleaning products should always be kept away from both children and animals. They contain harmful chemicals that are dangerous to pets. In many cases, the danger is not only that they might consume them, but also that they might come into contact with the 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 whether it is safe for your pet. Be especially careful with hydrangeas, poinsettias, and ivy.
4. Plastics
Some animals have a tendency to destroy and chew everything, and even eat it. Try to avoid leaving plastic or paper within their reach, as they can choke on it and it is harmful to their health if swallowed.
5. Medications
Some human medications are highly toxic to pets. Whenever you want to give them medication, it is recommended that you consult your veterinarian. Therefore, keep it out of their reach at home.
6. Insecticides
When warm weather arrives, the first insects begin to appear, such as ants, mosquitoes, and spiders… In general, insecticides are used to keep them away. If you have a pet, you need to be very careful because the chemicals they contain are toxic to them. Therefore, it is recommended that you apply them in areas far from your pet’s bed or food bowls.
In addition to these six things, there may be many more hidden dangers in the home for your pet. In many cases, your pet’s allergies can play a role, meaning that something in the home may be harmful to them.
It is always recommended that you speak with your trusted veterinarian if you have any questions about certain foods or substances that could be dangerous for your pet.