Pet Dangers
The dangers of chocolate, pet bedding, newsprint, dehydration, plants, household cleaners, pesticides, and pollution are just a few of topics included in this important pet owner article.
Chocolate – Dogs and cats are unable to metabolize and excrete the compounds found in chocolate. Ingestion can cause a variety of ills within your pet’s delicate system ranging from digestive disorders to death. Avoid chocolate at all costs. If accidentally ingested, contact your veterinarian immediately!
Dehydration & Heatstroke– Always ensure that your pet has a supply of fresh water on hand. During the hotter weather, your pet can suffer heatstroke. Always provide shelter and when the temperature rises towards the century mark, get your pet inside the cool.
Hypothermia – Winter can be brutal on outdoor pets. Dangers range from frostbite to death. Make sure your pet had adequate shelter before bad weather moves into your area. If the temperature begins dipping towards the freezing mark, get your pet inside the warmth.
Ice-Melting Chemicals - Compounds that are used to clear ice paths, such as rock salt, can cause damage to an animal’s footpad. If your pet comes in contact with an ice-melting chemical, wash the feet immediately and contact your veterinarian if necessary.
Over the Counter Medications – should never be given to your pet. A pet’s system is much different from a human’s. If your pet is under the weather, seek professional guidance.
Pesticides – are very toxic to your pet. If you spray indoors for bugs you could be putting your pet at risk. It’s easy to drop a bit of food on the floor and before you know it, your pet’s scooped it up! Always follow the directions on the pesticide ‘to the letter’.
Household Plants – See the article at the Junction relating to this important topic.
Pet Bedding & Newsprint – could cause tumors in pets. In addition, the dust from some bedding is sometimes linked to respiratory ailments.
Pollution – effects our pets in much the same way it does humans. Pollutants have been linked to respiratory ailments to cancer.
Antifreeze – take special precautions when using this very toxic product around pets. Even if you do not own a pet, be sure and clean up any spills that could pose harm to a stray animal in your neighborhood.
Rat/Mice Poison – If an animal ingests a rodent that has eaten poison, prompt medical attention is required. Prolonging treatment can mean the difference between life and death. Some of the symptoms to look for are lethargy, nausea, weaving or falling when attempting to walk.
Opened Cans – These are an open invitation for any hungry or curious animal. Use caution when disposing of opened cans both inside and outside.
Art Crafts – Crayons, scissors, strings, yarn, needles, paints and glue are items that should never be left unattended when a pet resides in the home.
Food Wraps – A curious pet can really get in trouble in the event someone accidentally leaves a plastic bread bag within reach. The same applies to foil and wax wraps.
Extension Cords – Puppies and particularly pet guinea pigs, hamsters, rats and gerbils are drawn to chewing on cords.
Cleaners – Can be fatal when ingested. In addition, fumes could harm, even kill your small pet. Take special precautions when using any cleanser around your pets. If you must clean near the pet’s area, remove pet if possible and vent out the area before returning the pet.
Foods – Avoid giving your pet bones that can get caught in the throat. Other table scraps to avoid are onions, nutmeg, rhubarb, peaches, mushrooms, alcohol, fatty meats and spicy foods. Never feed your pet raw meat, especially fish which can be infected with parasites.
Miscellaneous - Cosmetics, tobacco, laundry supplies, mothballs, drain cleaners, deodorant, fingernail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, matches, fertilizers and lead are all toxic to your pet.
Additional information regarding toxicity and pets can be obtained by contacting the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) at 800-548-2423.
Click Here to Return to Blossom Possum's Pet Tips
Click Here to Return to House of Hen
Click Here to Return to American Outback