Hidden Dangers at Home
Whilst none of us have a crystal ball to foresee all the hidden dangers that are posed to our pets a little forward thinking and awareness of the most common causes of injury mean that many accidents can be avoided.
1. Carbon Monoxide - just like humans pets are vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning which is why we should ensure fuel-fired heaters are correctly maintained. This is particularly relevant if your dog sleeps next to the boiler or any other area that carbon monoxide may be present. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning remove the patient to fresh air immediately and contact your vet (symptoms include drowsiness, lethargy and weakness).
2. Chemicals - cleaning products often contain highly toxic chemicals so it's important to ensure that these are kept safely shut away from your pet.
3. Electrical Cords - The risk of electrocution or oral burns from electrical cords is particularly relevant for puppies and kittens that have chewing tendencies so young pets should be monitored carefully and exposure to electric cords minimised.
4. Medicines - only ever give your pet medicines that have been prescribed by the vet as painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol are particularly dangerous to our animal companions. In addition vitamin and mineral supplements can also be dangerous so ensue these are kept out of your pets reach.
5. Prescribed Medicines - if your pet has been prescribed medicine by the vet ensure you follow the instructions on the packaging carefully and if you aren't sure simply call your vet and double check. Furthermore, if the medicine has been designed to be ‘palatable' it is important to make sure that these are stored away from your pet as they may prove to be all too enticing!
6. Batteries - if swallowed batteries can be dangerous so keep these out of reach of your pet.
7. Coins - all coins should be kept away from your pet particularly pennies as they are made with zinc which is toxic to animals if ingested.
8. Pine-Oil Cleaners - the phenol that is used in these cleaners can cause serious liver damage to cats and when all it takes is for your cat to lick the wet oil from their paws it doesn't take much for your pet to be exposed so simply scrub your floor with something else to avoid the risk!
9. Plastic Bags - potential of chocking or suffocation to your pet so ensure plastic bags are kept out of your pets reach
10. Paper Shredder - to reduce the risks posed by shredders only operate a shredder when your pet is not present, don't use a shredder to shred food wrappers and if possible opt for a shredder with a protective bar or cover to minimise the potential danger
11. Clothing Dryer - the allure of heat often attracts pets to curl up inside the dryer and when just a few moments can be fatal it is vital to ensure that the lid is always closed when the dryer is unattended.
12. Open Windows - curiosity often attracts pets to open windows so to reduce the risk of falling it is best not to leave windows wide open when your pet is in the room. In addition try to keep furniture away from windows as this will discourage your pet from climbing near the window and where possible use a window wedge to control the width of the opening meaning your pet won't be able to slip out.