Discussing Some Commonly Found Household Products That Are Poisonous To Your Pets In Honor Of National Pet Poison Prevention Week
The third full week of March is widely known to pet owners everywhere as National Pet Poison Prevention Week. This week-long holiday serves as a crucial reminder for pet owners to be vigilant about the potential dangers lurking within their homes.
While most pet owners do their best to create a safe and loving environment for their pets, some seemingly harmless household products can pose serious threats to their well-being. In honor of National Pet Poison Prevention Week, this article will discuss some commonly found household items that could be poisonous to pets.
Household cleaning products
Cleaning Products
One of the most common household hazards to pets comes in the form of household cleaners. This is because most household cleaners contain chemicals that are harmful to pets. Bleach, ammonia, and certain disinfectants can cause respiratory problems or irritation if pets come into contact with them.
Therefore, make sure any given area is well-ventilated after using household cleaners in them. Additionally, be sure to keep any and all cleaning products stored in a secure location (high shelf or locked cabinet). Also, you can invest in pet-safe household cleaners as an alternative to traditional cleaners. For more information on pet-safe household cleaners, click here.
Insecticides and Pest Control Products
While controlling pests is essential, some insecticides and rodenticides contain toxic substances that can harm pets. Use caution when applying these products and ensure that your pets cannot access treated areas. Additionally, you can also invest in pet-safe alternatives for your insecticides and pest control needs. For more information about pet-safe insecticides products, click here.
House plants
Houseplants
While houseplants add aesthetic appeal to homes, many of them can be toxic to pets when ingested. Plants like lilies, philodendrons, and dieffenbachia contain substances that can cause gastrointestinal distress, respiratory issues, or even organ failure in pets. Before bringing a new plant home, it’s important to research its toxicity level for the safety of your furry friends. For a full comprehensive list of what plants are toxic to pets, click here.
People Food
While it’s tempting to share our meals with our pets, some human foods can be harmful to them. This includes things like chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, and artificial sweeteners (such as xylitol). All of the aforementioned are toxic to pets. Ingesting even small amounts of these substances can lead to severe health issues, including seizures and organ damage. No matter how cute your pets are, avoid giving them people foods at all costs.
Various medications
Medications
Another big household risk to pets is that of prescription and over-the-counter medications. This includes things like pain relievers, antidepressants, and other various medications These medications can pose a significant threat to pets if left within their reach.
Therefore, make sure that all medications are securely stored away in a locked or out-of-reach cabinet. Additionally, never administer human medication to pets without consulting a veterinarian first. Human medications are designed and dosed specifically for humans, not pets.
Resources
Even with all of the aforementioned preventative measures taken, accidents happen. Pets can still accidentally end up ingesting toxic household items. But, don’t panic! There are resources at your disposal. If your pet accidentally ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian immediately. Also, you can call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
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