Your Pets Daily - keeping pets safe

5 common household items that may be harmful to pets

Jessica Curtis — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 20:00:00 +0000

With pet ownership rising in the UK, you might be one of many people who has decided to take home a new four-legged friend. However, did you know that many common household items can be harmful to your pet? Here, Chris Socratous, Senior Brand Manager at the pet experts Bob Martin, takes us through some key things to look out for.

Pets can be a wonderful addition to the family, providing comfort and companionship, whilst also encouraging us to stay active with them. Did you know however that many household items we keep at home can be harmful to our animal friends? Here, we'll take you through some of the most common things that you'll need to avoid or keep an eye on when making sure that your home is set up to be a safe environment for your pet.

Plants

You might already know that many common houseplants and garden flowers have the potential to be harmful to pets. In terms of houseplants, you should be avoiding lilies and tulips in particular, as these can both be toxic to cats and dogs. If you are ordering flowers or looking for something ornamental, go for African violets or friendship plants, which are both non-toxic and offer pretty flowers to brighten up your space without endangering your pet.

Some common garden plants can also be an issue, such as ivy and poinsettia being toxic to dogs, with elephant's ear, chrysanthemum and azalea plants being poisonous to cats. While it's very difficult to ensure that your garden is completely safe, it's helpful to avoid these key plants and instead grow things such as catnip, valerian or cat grass for felines and snapdragons, asters, and camellias if you have a dog.

Cleaning products

Many of the cleaning products that we use on a regular basis can also be harmful to our pets. For instance, bleach has such a strong smell that it can irritate their sensitive noses, making it definitely one to avoid. As well as this, disinfectants containing benzalkonium chloride should be swapped out for something more gentle, as they can also cause irritation to pets' noses, paws and eyes.

You should instead use cleaning products marked non-toxic and safe for pets. There are plenty of options in this area now, so it's worth taking the time to read the labels of what you're buying — as a bonus, using less chemicals in your cleaning regimen will also make it better for the environment. This one might be more of a surprise than the dangers posed by plants and cleaning products, but many air fresheners can also be a problem for our four-legged friends. Phthalates are a family of chemicals often found in home air fresheners and fragrances, and they can be dangerous if your pet inhales them.

Food

There are also many different foodstuffs that are hazardous to both dogs and cats, which you should keep away from anywhere that your pet might be sniffing around. For instance, have a designated cupboard, preferably high up, where you keep the things that shouldn't be near your four-legged friend, so that they can't find them. It's also advisable to keep these items in tins, Tupperware or other sealed containers that your pup or cat can't open, as this will create another barrier keeping them safe. It will also prevent them from smelling them too strongly, hopefully reducing their curiosity.

Here are the main foods to look out for:

Chocolate
Garlic
Onions
Xylitol, a sweetener found in lots of foods like peanut butter and cereals
Raw or undercooked meat
Raw yeast dough
Grapes and raisins
Macadamia nuts

Craft or decorating materials

The next time you have an arts and crafts session, you should ensure everything is put away safely afterwards and that your pet is kept out of the room when you have art materials about. Many people assume that cats or dogs won't stick their noses into non-edible substances like paint or superglue, but curious animals will always sneak their way into where you don't expect them.

So, plan for this and ensure that you don't leave anything dangerous out for them to find. Equally, keep your furry companion out of the way when doing any household decorating. Materials such as glue, paint, wallpaper paste and other decorating materials, should all be kept stored away. While there aren't yet many non-toxic alternatives for these items, you should ensure that your pet is occupied away from where they are being used, and open the window to air the room before allowing them back in.

Insecticides and rodenticides

Some products that we use to kill insects or rodents are can also be harmful to pets. Substances designed to kill rodents are particularly dangerous to our four-legged friends, as both dogs and cats can often be tempted by the tasty pellets and granules. If ingested, they can cause serious problems, such as internal bleeding, brain swelling, or high calcium levels. You should avoid using these products or keeping them in the house — instead, if you have a rodent issue, it's best to arrange a pest control appointment and make sure that your pet is kept away from the area, as well as it being fully cleared up afterwards.

Things that you commonly use to kill insects both inside your home and in the garden can also be harmful. Bug spray, ant bait and others can all be dangerous, so always read the label before buying any insecticides. There are a range of pet-safe insecticidal home sprays, with many specifically designed for insects such as fleas for example, which can infest your pet and your home. With garden sprays in particular, there are lots of organic options and ones that are not toxic to cats and dogs, so make use of these and avoid potential harm to your pet.

Chris Socratous, Senior Brand Manager, Bob Martin comments:

"It can be overwhelming trying to understand which household items might be a problem for your pet, but hopefully these points provide a starting point to ensure that you can create a home that's safe for your cat or dog. Explore non-toxic options in everything from houseplants to cleaning materials, and your pet will surely be happier for it.

"As well as choosing household items that are safe for pets, it's useful to know what to do if your four-legged friend does happen upon something that irritates them. In mild cases, such as nose or eye irritation, the most important thing to do is to remove the offending substance and make sure that the room is aired well. If you spot any digestive issues, more serious skin irritation or vomiting, it's important that you call your vet as soon as possible, as this could be a sign that your pet has ingested something toxic."

Keep common Christmas decorations far away from your pet

Katie Court — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 10:15:51 +0000

Brits are being warned popular Christmas decorations can be harmful to pets.

Pet insurance experts from Quotezone.co.uk are urging pet owners to look out for choke hazards and keep their four-legged friends away from dangerous holiday decorations.

As many families have started to add festive decor to their homes, it's crucial to be aware of hidden holiday dangers that could lead to severe consequences for pets.

Pine needles, tinsel, artificial snow and festive plants all pose threats to furry friends during December.

Pets are curious by nature and therefore it's no surprise that they'll want to explore all the new and exciting decorations around the house.

It's crucial for pet owners to stay vigilant and take proactive measures to create a safe and joyful environment for all members of the household.

Whenever possible, decorations should be kept out of paws reach and pets should always be supervised around the Christmas tree.

Quotezone.co.uk Founder Greg Wilson said: "From dressing the tree to traditional Christmas plants, some of our favourite holiday decorations may unfortunately put our beloved pets at risk.

"This is why it's extremely important to keep a close eye on our four-legged family members before they get themselves into trouble – especially if there are new pups in the house.

"To be able to decorate with peace of mind, pet owners should make sure to hang the ornaments higher, hide the cables for Christmas lights and if possible, restrict the access to the tree, as the needles and tree water can be poisonous for pets.

"If you suspect your pet has ingested something they shouldn't have, it's crucial to contact your vet immediately."

The team at Quotezone.co.uk has identified popular Christmas decorations that can be dangerous to pets:

1. Baubles

Pets are often attracted to bright and shiny baubles, but ingesting them can lead to serious health issues. Swallowed baubles can cause a dangerous stomach blockage, and some ornaments are made of materials that can be toxic when consumed. Glass baubles can easily break if pets brush against them, causing injuries. To prevent such incidents, it is recommended to hang the ornaments on higher branches, out of reach.

2. Real Christmas tree needles

If you opt for a real tree, it's important to vacuum the needles regularly to prevent your pets from snacking on them. Ingesting needles can cause serious harm, as their sharp ends can cause an upset stomach and mouth irritation. Additionally, it's crucial to keep in mind that tree sap is toxic to pets, and if they ingest it, it can result in severe or even fatal consequences. The best option would be to place gates around the tree to limit access to potential dangers.

3. Tinsel

Having tinsel around your house can be a serious choking hazard for pets. Pets may mistake it for a shiny new toy and accidentally swallow it which can cause a life-threatening obstruction in the throat or intestines, requiring emergency surgery. Ideally, pet owners should avoid decorating with tinsel altogether.

4. Fairy lights

Fairy lights should be kept out of reach from pets due to the risk of electric shocks if they bite into the cables. If you have a new pup or your pet is a chewer then it's best to keep the cables tucked away or hidden. It's also important to remember to switch the lights off at the mains when they're not in use.

5. Christmas plants

Some of the traditional Christmas plants can be poisonous to pets. Festive plants including Poinsettia, Holly, Mistletoe and Ivy should be excluded from your Christmas decor to prevent your pets from getting ill. However, if you're a big fan of Christmas greenery then make sure to place the plants on high surfaces that are well out of reach.

6. Presents

Think twice about leaving Christmas presents under the tree early, as your curious four-legged friends may be tempted to open them. Wrapping paper and ribbons could cause a serious blockage in your pet's stomach if they've ingested an excessive amount. It's especially important to be careful with edible gifts, such as chocolate boxes as the chocolate is highly toxic to dogs and cats.

7. Artificial snow

Although fake snow is usually made with ingredients that have low levels of toxicity, it can still cause an upset stomach for pets. If a large amount has been eaten, it can lead to a build-up and blockage, so to be safe, it's better to avoid using artificial snow as a decoration or restrict it to areas your pet can't access.

For lifetime pet, older dog and puppy insurance Quotezone.co.uk can help – many insurers now have a free 24/7 vet helpline for any issues, so be sure to double check your policy details and add the number to your phone in case of emergencies. If you live in Northern Ireland, CompareNI.com can help.