As a proud owner of two puppies and two kittens, I can relate with owners at home who have difficulty keeping household objects away from their pet’s mouths. Puppies and kittens are very curious creatures, and you know what curiosity can do! Keeping your pets safe at home is just a few simple steps away.
Here are the top ten tips you can follow to keep your animals safe and your personal items intact.
Shoes:
Shoes should be kept in a place where your furry friends aren’t able to reach them. I know from personal experience that shoes are expensive, especially when you need to buy five pairs in six months. Eating objects such as shoes can also cause an intestinal blockage, which can make your pet very sick.
Electrical Cords:
Teething pets love the feeling of a soft chewy cord in their mouth, but it can be very dangerous and even fatal. Using a “bitter spray” (which you can find here at Eastern Passage Village Veterinary Hospital) or keeping your cords away from your pets may be an easy solution.
Toxic Food:
Many of us know that certain foods can be toxic or even fatal if your furry friends get their paws on them. Chocolate, onions and grapes are just a few of the foods that you should keep away from your pets.
Plants:
Poisonous plants include lilies, philodendron, dieffenbachia, elephant ear, eucalyptus, spider plants, azalea, ivy, amaryllis, pyracantha, oleander, boxwood, Jerusalem Cherry and plant bulbs.
Chemicals:
Sure you keep your common household cleaners under your sink, but what about the fertilizer on your lawn? Or the antifreeze that spilled in your garage? Keep in mind, any small amount of chemicals can be harmful to your pets.
Plastic Bags:
Cats love climbing inside plastic bags, and dogs love chewing on them. Whether it be suffocation or an intestinal blockage, plastic bags can be very harmful to your pet.
Stove:
Not cleaning up after dinner may be more serious then a little scolding from your significant other. Stove tops may stay hot for a long period of time. Cats can jump to high places, and a warm stove just might be that place they want to hang out. Burnt paws can be very painful and more common than you may think. Keeping pan handles away from the edge of the stove may also be important for puppies that have curious noses.
Garbage:
Garbage may smell tasty to puppies and kittens, but it may contain items that can hurt their bellies. Always use a garbage can with a lid to ensure they cannot get inside it.
Blankets/Beds:
Blankets are easily chewed and can cause an intestinal blockage. Before leaving your pet at home with bedding, make sure you know their habits. If your pet is a “chewer” it may be best to leave them in the safety of an empty kennel.
Breakables:
Keep glass items in places where they cannot be reached or knocked over by your pet. Glass may break into small pieces, which can cut the paws of your furry friends