Pet Safety Tips

Potential food poisons

• It is quite well known that chocolate is not safe for dogs, but you may not know that dark chocolate is the worst culprit.
• Onion and garlic in large quantities is also harmful
• Raisins and grapes.
• Unbaked dough for yeast bread,
• Food and drinks containing caffeine and xylitol
• Alcohol should be kept away

Harmful household fluids

• There are several chemicals we use in our home that can be poisonous to your pet like Detergents and bleaches, household cleaners,
• Adhesives and paints can cause harm if they are not only swallowed but also inhaled, or if they come in contact with skin and fur. Make sure that these items, as well as car liquids and garden fertilizers are not on the floor where the animals can reach them.

Dangerous home products

• You may not think about this piece of string on the floor or the stray elastic that has fallen on the carpet. But these are objects that your pet – especially your cat – attracts and can be harmful if ingested.
• Electric cables running through our rooms and countertops. Both cats and dogs can find them attractive and start chewing them, so it’s important to wrap them and hide them if possible.

Medications at home

We take certain medications that can cause serious medical problems to your pet. Painkillers may seem harmless, but if ingested by a dog or cat, they can cause serious damage. Antidepressants, ADHD drugs, and sleeping pills are also potential poison for our animals, as are birth control, beta blockers and cholesterol lowering drugs. Flea and tick medication — if overdosed, or if dog products are used on cats can be harmful. All medicines at home should be out of reach of our furry friends.

Nicotine poisoning

Animals – especially puppies – can find discarded cigarette or cigar butts, nicotine patches, nicotine gum or chewing tobacco. All these tobacco products contain nicotine, which can cause disease and even death.

High and cold temperature

Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat, but instead use wheezing as a way to cool off. Breed, health and age can play an important role in dealing with heat and moisture. Cooling beds, children’s pools and cold snacks are a good way to provide relief and comfort. Make sure the water pan is full and consider doubling during a heat wave.
If your dog or cat is dehydrated, you may notice sunken eyes and their skin will not jump back into place when you gently pull; you will notice dry gums, drooling or panting.
We also need to watch out for our animals in winter. In addition to making sure that they are kept warm, we also need to keep them away from dangerous ice and frozen water that can cause hypothermia.

Festive plants with toxins

Play safely and place these Christmas plants high enough and out of reach.
• Poinsettias
• The plant of love, Mistletoe
• Holly berries
• Amaryllis
• Certain types of lily. The calla lily, peace lily, lily of the valley and palm lily, are all deemed dangerous to dogs. Those from the Lilium or Hemerocallis species — are very dangerous for cats
• Christmas cactus
• Christmas rose
• Ivy
• Daffodil

Well fitted collar

Every dog should wear a collar that holds his or her dog ID tags.
A correctly fitted collar is vital. We must pay attention to its length, width and position around the neck. Two fingers should be able to fit between your pets neck and the collar. If you put the collar on incorrectly, it can potentially harm your pet:
• risk of strangulation
• too loose collar can lead to broken teeth and other mouth injuries.
• too tight can also be harmful causing hair loss and lead to skin irritation