We spend a great deal of time and money baby-proofing our homes to prevent all kinds of dangers for our toddlers and children. What about your furry family members? It seems today there are even more dangers around our homes that can be harmful to pets, but with a quick read and a little effort, you can make your home much safer for them.Many of the common household dangers (and some of the most severe ones) are things that we use every day, with easy access. One good example is an electrical cord that a person would not mess with, but to an inquisitive dog (especially puppies), it is a toy just waiting to be chewed. Iíve seen some very severe burns and even fatalities because of this household danger. So keep extension cords tucked away the best you can. If a puppy shows any interest, get some sort of ìstop chewî spray from the pet store and make the attraction unattractive.Also, there is a surgical emergency called a ìstring foreign bodyî that every veterinarian has seen ñ- especially in cats. Because cats are so interested in playing with things like string, dental floss, thread and yarn; they are particularly at risk for ingesting string-like foreign bodies. The motion of the intestines soon literally saws through the wall of the GI track, and the pet can quickly develop a life-threatening infection of the abdomen.Any time of the year, decorations and ornaments are seen as a dog or cat toy so watch your pets (especially new ones), and make sure they donít use your dÈcor as toys. Once ingested, these things can sometimes cause severe cuts or toxicities. Of course, this is especially true at any holiday celebration. It is probably smart to have baby gates in our multi-level homes to restrict petsí access to various parts of our homes when we are away.Many of the plants we commonly use in landscaping and indoors are toxic to animals. With a quick Internet search, you can find a list of toxic plants so you can be sure the plants you bring home are safe ñ- or find a way to block access to those plants. The level of toxicity varies, depending on the species and the amount or part of the plant ingested. If you think your pet has ingested a dangerous plant (foaming saliva, abnormal behavior, even what looks like a seizure), contact your veterinarian immediately, or you can call a poison control center. It is a good idea to have this number close at hand.There are a number of different ingestible hazards for both children and pets. Think about your medications, plants, foods and household chemicals ñ- especially the powerful cleaning compounds.When it comes to medications, pets likely donít process medications in the same way humans do, so something that is safe for you may prove to be dangerous or even fatal for your pet. For example, Tylenol, even in small amounts, can be fatal to cats. Pills look dangerously similar to dog and cat treats, and your pet may eat them if dropped or left on the counter. Medications should be stored in cabinets in their proper containers, out of the reach of your pet. And remember those chewable medications that are OK for pets (in proper doses). If your dog gets into a bottle and eats many of these, severe liver disease or life threatening poisoning can occur. Keep all meds up and safe.And quickly think about foods. Most are aware that chocolate can be dangerous, but did you know that more concentrated chocolate, such as baking or dark chocolate, is more likely to cause a problem than milk chocolate? Raisins and grapes can cause kidney failure in pets, so be careful not to leave a bowl out on the dining table for easy access. Onions can be harmful as well, potentially leading to life-threatening anemia. Although most pets are not interested in eating them, they can be mixed in your foods and be given as ìleftoversî or eaten by mistake. Either way, they cause severe medical conditions that are sometimes difficult to diagnose and treat. Also, ingestion of high-fat foods like steak and bacon can lead to a life-threatening case of pancreatitis.Xylitol, the artificial sweetener found in gum and other foods, can cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar if ingested. And there is xylitol in thousands of processed foods. You should be very careful to never leave these products within reach of your pet, as dogs often are attracted to the flavor.Other common household products that are potential dangers if ingested include antifreeze, rat poison, ant bait, insect repellents and even herbicides and other such chemicals in the garage. These, along with all other chemicals, should be kept behind closed doors at all times.Every household contains a number of items that are potentially hazardous to both pets and people. The right safety measures and constant vigilance will keep you and your pet safe.
Dr. Jim Humphries is a veterinarian in Colorado Springs and also serves as a visiting professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University. He provides hospice and end-of-life care for pets. He lives in Falcon with his wife, horses and Great Danes. www.HomeWithDignity.com
