Pets are known for being playful and curious. These traits make for some hilarious and adorable moments, but they can also lead your furry pal right into trouble. That’s why it’s so important to make your home safe for your animal companion. Read on as a local Carolina Forest, SC vet lists some household dangers for pets.
Salt Lamps
Himalayan salt lamps are very popular, and it isn’t hard to see why. They’re really pretty, and they emit a beautiful warm, cozy glow. However, some animals like to lick them. If your pet decides he or she likes the taste, they could ingest toxic-and potentially deadly-levels of salt. Keep lamps out of paws’ reach.
Plastic
Plastic bags, wrappers, and ties pose serious choking hazards to playful pets. Plus, if your furry buddy swallows some, it could form an intestinal blockage, which is a serious emergency. Store plastic products in secure spots.
Plants
Plants can make your home look really cozy and inviting. However, some of them are highly toxic to pets. Lilies, for example, are poisonous to cats. Sago palms, aloe vera, ivy, philodendrons, and dieffenbachia, also known as dumb cane, are also toxic. You’ll find a full list of safe and unsafe plants on the ASPCA site.
Unsafe Foods
Never give your pet garlic, onions, scallions, or chives; pitted fruits; meat on the bone; chocolate; caffeine; alcohol; grapes, currants, or raisins; or anything that contains xylitol and/or a lot of fat, salt, or sugar. Dogs are slightly more at risk here, since they will eat anything and everything, but some cats will also chomp down whatever they can reach.
Essential Oils
Many essential oils, including pennyroyal, pine oils, wintergreen, and tea tree oil, are unsafe for your furry buddy. Play it safe, and keep these away from your pet.
Children’s Toys
Anything small or sharp is a potential hazard. Beads, buttons, tacks, nails, screws, pins, and sewing kit pieces are a few examples. If you have children with small playthings, make sure your pet doesn’t appropriate their toys.
Chemicals
Many common household products are toxic to our animal companions. The list includes cleaning agents, automotive products, paints, pesticides, fertilizer, de-icing agents, and detergents. Even dryer sheets are toxic! Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your Carolina Forest, SC vet clinic, today. We’re always happy to help!
