For many of us, our pets are cherished family members. We feed them the best food, shower them with affection and provide regular vet care. (Side note, if you’re looking for pet insurance with cover for routine care, check out Oneplan Pet Insurance.) However, even the most loving pet owners can overlook everyday household items that pose serious risks to their furry companions. From cleaning products to decorative plants, there are many hidden dangers in our homes that can lead to poisoning, injuries, or worse.
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This article highlights some of the most common household hazards for pets and offers practical tips to keep them safe.
Hidden Dangers In Our Homes
Cleaning Products
Cleaning agents are a staple in every household, but many contain chemicals that are toxic to pets. Products like bleach, ammonia, toilet bowl cleaners, and disinfectant sprays can cause significant harm if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the paws. Even “natural” cleaners may contain ingredients unsafe for animals.
Why are these products hidden dangers? The danger often comes from indirect contact. For example, a dog may walk on a recently mopped floor and lick its paws, ingesting chemical residues. Pets may also be drawn to the scent of cleaners, especially those with citrus or floral fragrances.
To minimize the risk of your pet being harmed, always read product labels and opt for pet-safe alternatives when available. Keep pets out of rooms during and for some time after cleaning, and ensure that all surfaces are dry before allowing them back in.
Houseplants
While many of us keep houseplants to improve air quality and brighten up a room, several popular varieties of indoor plants are highly toxic to pets. Lilies are particularly dangerous for cats and can cause acute kidney failure even with minimal exposure. Other popular plants that are toxic to pets include pothos, aloe vera, sago palm, dieffenbachia, and philodendrons.
The symptoms of plant poisoning vary but often include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and drooling. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to organ damage or death.
Before introducing any new plant into your home, research whether it is safe for your pets. Consider pet-friendly options like spider plants, bamboo palm, or Boston ferns, which are both attractive and non-toxic.
Human Foods
Many foods that are perfectly safe for humans can be toxic to pets. Chocolate, especially dark and baking varieties, contains theobromine, which can cause seizures and heart issues. Grapes and raisins may lead to kidney failure, and onions and garlic can damage red blood cells.
Read this: 9 toxic foods for cats (we would never have guessed #8)
Xylitol, a common sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, baked goods, and some brands of peanut butter, is extremely hazardous for your fur baby. Even a small amount can cause a rapid insulin release in dogs, leading to hypoglycemia and liver failure. Alcohol, caffeine, and foods high in fat can also cause health complications.
To protect your pet, avoid feeding them table scraps, keep food securely stored, and ensure guests are aware of what not to give your animal companions. If in doubt, don’t share that snack you’re having with your pet.
Learn more: 10 toxic foods for dogs – time to resist those puppy dog eyes
Medications
Human medications are another common source of pet poisonings. Pain relievers like ibuprofen (such as Nurofen) and acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol, such as Panado), antidepressants, sleep aids, and even certain vitamins can be deadly if ingested by pets.
These drugs affect pets differently than humans. For example, a small dose of acetaminophen that relieves a headache in a person could be lethal to a cat.
Store all medications in secure cabinets and never leave pill bottles or boxes within reach. If your pet requires medication, use products specifically prescribed by your veterinarian.
Small Objects and Choking Hazards
Pets, especially puppies and kittens, are naturally curious and often explore with their mouths. Items such as rubber bands, hair ties, jewellery, coins, and batteries can pose serious choking or ingestion risks. Batteries are especially dangerous due to the possibility of chemical burns or heavy metal poisoning if punctured.
Keep small objects off the floor and out of reach. Supervise playtime and inspect toys regularly for damage or wear. Choose toys appropriate for your pet’s size and chewing habits.
Small Objects and Choking Hazards
You might not even think of candles, essential oils, and air fresheners being hidden dangers. They’re just helping to make your home smell pleasant, right? The truth is that they can pose significant risks to pets. Essential oils like tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, and citrus are toxic to cats and dogs. These oils can irritate the respiratory tract, damage the liver, or cause neurologic symptoms when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin.
Use unscented products where possible, or use products specifically labelled as pet-safe. Ensure rooms are well-ventilated when you do use scented products and never apply essential oils directly to your pet’s coat or bedding without veterinary guidance.
Electrical Hazards
Loose cords and wires present both a chewing hazard and a risk of electric shock if your fur baby decides it looks like a fun chew toy. Power cords, phone chargers, heated blankets, and exposed cables can all be attractive to pets, particularly young animals.
Protect cables using cord covers or secure them behind furniture. Offer your pet plenty of approved chew toys and monitor their behaviour, especially when introducing them to a new environment.
The safest homes are those designed with both humans and pets in mind. By identifying and eliminating hidden dangers, you can can create a more secure and comfortable environment for your furry companions. Take time to regularly reassess your living space from your pet’s point of view—down low, curious, and always exploring. Small changes can make a big difference in preventing accidents and ensuring a long, healthy life for your pet.
Yours In Not-So-Average Pet Advice,
The Petinsurince.co.za Team
#NotYourAveragePetAdvice