Pet Proof Your Home: Avoid These Common Oversights

New and old pet owners alike should read over our brief list of common household toxicities and how they pose a threat! Many pet owners are aware of common toxins and ‘pet proof’ accordingly. We focus both on the toxins and the unusual circumstances or oversights that may lead to your pet gaining access to them.

Pet proof your home by avoiding these circumstances and oversights!

Pet Proof Your Home

1. Keep prescription drugs in the medicine cabinet – Child proof does not mean pet proof. Caps do nothing to prevent playful dogs or cats from chewing into a bottle of medication. Lots of people leave prescriptions on nightstands which are a great place for a playful pet to knock them off and turn them into a chew toy. To be safest keep medicines in a cabinet or drawer.
2. Household cleaners and paint – Most people know to keep such things out of reach of pets.  A pet proof home requires constant awareness though. It’s easy to overlook them in the corner of a garage or some other place where your pet rarely roams. As a rule of safety always pretend you have a toddler roaming about and make a habit of putting dangerous chemicals well out of reach.
3. Be leery of your lawn – Many people think nothing of letting their pets play in the yard. Be especially careful though if you are prone to using fertilizers and/or pesticides. “A 2012 study published in Environmental Health found dogs with malignant lymphoma were 70 more likely to live in a home where professionals applied chemical lawn treatments. “
4. Chocolate and artificial sweeteners – It’s easy to forget this rule during special occasions like Christmas or a birthday party.  Be careful about putting out bowls of sweets. Furthermore children in your household know not to share any birthday cake or treats with your furry friends.
5. Certain plants and flowers – It’s probably in both your pet and your plants best interest to keep the two from coming into contact. Be especially aware of certain varieties that can pose harm. Any plants that are going to be on a ‘pet level’ should be researched for their toxicity. Be mindful too of flowers. If you get a bouquet for  your birthday or other event make sure they are safely away from your pet!