As a family caregiver, you’re likely juggling many responsibilities, and ensuring the safety of your loved one’s pets is an important one. Many everyday items in our homes can pose a serious risk to our furry companions. To help you keep those beloved pets safe, we’ve compiled a list of common household hazards to be aware of.
Foods to Avoid:
It’s important to be mindful of what your pet may try to sneak from the table or counter. Many common foods are toxic to animals. Here are some of the biggest culprits:
- Alcohol
- Avocados
- Caffeine
- Cherries
- Chocolate
- Currants
- Garlic
- Grapes and raisins
- Macadamia nuts
- Milk
- Moldy food
- Mushrooms
- Nuts
- Onions, garlic, and chives
- Pitted fruits (peaches, plums, apricots) – the pits can cause choking or intestinal blockage
- Salt and salty snack foods
- Star fruit
- Undercooked meat or eggs, bones
- Xylitol (a sweetener found in gum, mints, toothpaste, and some peanut butters)
- Yeast dough
Household Products:
Protecting your pet goes beyond the kitchen. Be sure to keep these household products safely stored and out of reach:
- Antifreeze
- Chemicals and fertilizers (lawn and garden)
- Chip bags, snack bags, cereal bags, zip-locks (suffocation risk)
- Cigarettes and tobacco products
- Cleaning products
- Cocoa mulch
- De-icing salts
- Hand sanitizer
- Insect and pest control products
- Over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs
Hazardous Plants:
Many common houseplants and garden plants can be toxic to pets. Here are some to watch out for:
- Aloe
- Azalea
- Baby’s Breath
- Begonia
- Carnation
- Chrysanthemum
- Daffodil
- Daisy
- Geranium
- Hibiscus
- Holly
- Hosta
- Hydrangea
- Ivy
- Lavender
- Lily
- Milkweed
- Mint
- Mistletoe
- Morning Glory
- Peony
- Philodendron
- Poinsettia
- Rhododendron
- Rhubarb
- Tulip
What to Do if Your Pet Eats Something Toxic
If you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous, take immediate action! Contact your veterinarian or local emergency vet right away. You can also call one of the pet poison hotlines below:
Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435
Remember: Prevention is key! By being aware of these common household hazards, you can help keep your loved one’s pets happy, healthy, and safe.
Source: https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/beware-household-hazards-could-be-toxic-your-pet
We hope this information is helpful to you in the important work you do as a family caregiver.
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