Whether you have young pets or older ones, there are certain household hazards to be aware of. Puppies and kittens can get into trouble while exploring different parts of your home out of curiosity. Adult dogs and cats can also end up getting hurt or sick from common household dangers for pets. Keep the following tips in mind to make your home as safe as possible for your pets.
Food Hazards
Some types of foods are toxic to dogs, cats or both. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic and macadamia nuts are among the foods that can make pets, especially dogs, seriously ill. Store these foods out of your pet’s reach, and immediately pick up any that fall on the floor before your pet can get it.
Toxic Plants
Certain household plants and flowers can cause potentially life-threatening illnesses in dogs and cats if they ingest them. For example, lilies, amaryllis, daffodils, tulips and hyacinths are toxic to cats. For dogs, azaleas, irises, sago palms, begonias and philodendrons are among the plants that are toxic to dogs. You should avoid having these types of plants inside your home to lower the risk of your pet ingesting them. If you have any plants that are toxic, keep them in an area that your pets can’t get to, such as high on a shelf or in a closed-off room.
Medications and Cleaning Products
Medications and cleaning products can make pets dangerously ill if they swallow or ingest them. You should store these items in cabinets that your pets can’t get into. Consider installing childproof latches on cabinets to prevent your pets from being able to open them.
Wires and Cords
These items can become strangulation hazards in your home, especially when you have curious pets around. Wires and cords also put pets at risk of electrical shock if they chew on them or play with them. Hide cords and wires out of reach of your pets and use childproof window blind products to prevent your pets from playing with these types of cords.
String and Small Items
Dogs and cats can end up with serious injuries if they swallow pieces of string or small items, such as buttons. This can happen if they chew on clothes or get into sewing supplies. You can reduce this risk by keeping clothing items, shoes and craft supplies stored away in an area that your pets can’t reach. You should also check your rugs and furniture for strings or small items that might have fallen off clothes or other objects before your pets find them.
About the Author
Julia Brown and Barry Weiss Weiss
Introducing the partnership of Brown & Weiss. Julia & Barry have a combined 23 years of experience in real estate and over 70 combined years of customer service. They each have lived in the Wilmington area for over 20 years and are very familiar with the local market. Their savvy negotiations and cutting edge marketing join uncompromising integrity as the hallmarks of Julia and Barry’s service. They are well respected in the Wilmington area not only for their professional track record and high ethical standards, but for being hardworking individuals that will do anything in their power to ensure their client’s success. Julia and Barry enjoy working for the number one real estate company in the area- Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage. With the Coldwell Banker brand and their experience behind the sale or purchase or your home, you can’t go wrong. So, put us to work for you today and “Let us light your way home".
