Household hazards - keeping your dog safe
You may think you live in a safe, animal-friendly environment, but every home is a potential minefield of hazards for your dog. Here are some common household dangers to watch out for: Rat bait Most
people know that rat bait can also poison dogs, but many don't realise
eating a poisoned rat can be fatal too. To reduce the risk of accidental
poisoning, put the baits in a place that only the rats can reach. In
the roof, between walls, and along known rat runs are all safe places
that your dogs should not be able to access. Store rat baits safely in
the original packaging within another sealed container, and keep this in
a high cupboard out of reach of pets and children. Some rat
baits are safer for pets than others but be careful with any brand, If
you think your dog has had contact with rat bait, call your vet
immediately. Snail bait Most snail baits contain
metaldehyde, which is highly toxic to dogs. To reduce the risk of
accidental poisoning, put the baits in a place your pets can’t access.
In your garden, place a barrier around garden beds and garden mesh over
the top. Store snail bait in the original packaging within another
sealed container and keep this in a high cupboard out of reach of pets
and children. If you think your dog has had contact with snail bait,
call your vet immediately. Ant killers Most of these
contain boric acid which is toxic if a dog eats large amount for its
body size. Many ant killers have a sweet smell and taste to attract
ants. This can be equally appealing to dogs and cats, so always put the
ant killer in places your pet can't get to. Store these insecticides in
an air tight container in a high cupboard, out of reach of pets and
children. If you think your dog has ingested ant killer, contact your
vet immediately. Reclining chairs These can be a major
hazard for pets, especially young puppies and kittens. They love to run
under and hide in reclining chairs. Kittens are especially likely to
climb up inside the chair and curl up for a nap. When someone sits or
starts to rock in the chair, pets can become caught or even fatally
injured. Always check where your pet is before reclining or closing the
recliner on the chair. Oil burners The oil used in oil
burners is caustic but can taste sweet to some pets. If licked or
swallowed, oil can cause burns to the mouth or oesophagus that may
become life-threatening if left untreated. If you think your dog has
ingested oil from an oil burner, contact your vet immediately. Rubbish bins Bins
are full of hazards, especially for inquisitive dogs. If a bin is left
open, or can be easily knocked over, pets can pull out dangerous or
toxic rubbish such as food wrappers, dental floss and cigarette butts,
or cooked bones and food skewers that could splinter and cause
life-threatening damage of the digestive tract. Keep bins covered and
out of reach. Human medications Medicine that's safe for
you is not necessarily safe for your dog. Some medications like common
headache tablets are highly toxic for animals. If your pet has a health
problem, please don’t treat them yourself with human medications or
ointments, always contact your vet. Dirty clothes baskets Dogs
are notorious for seeking out interesting smells from unwashed clothes.
Dirty socks are especially dangerous and can cause a life-threatening
obstruction in the digestive system that requires emergency surgery. If
you know your pet is a dirty clothes hunter, keep the laundry basket out
of reach. Laundry items Puppies love playing with
clothes pegs and will often chew on them. This is potentially hazardous
as pegs can lodge in their mouths or oesophagus. Most household
cleansers are also dangerous if ingested. Some dogs are attracted to the
ammonia in floor cleaners or bleach, and may lick a recently cleaned
floor. If your pet ingests floor cleaner or bleach it can cause
life-threatening burns to the mouth or oesophagus, so you should contact
your vet immediately. Electrical cords It's recommended
to keep all electrical cords out of reach of pets, especially puppies
that will often chew, drag and pull on any cords they find. If your pet
chews and exposes the wiring it can cause severe injuries. These include
burns to the mouth and tongue, and in more serious cases, seizures,
difficulty breathing or cardiac arrest. For your family's safety, if you
see your pet chewing an electrical cord or find chew marks on any cord,
unplug and replace it immediately. About the Purina PetCare Advice Centre  The
Purina PetCare Advice Centre brings together a team with in-depth
knowledge, experience and special interests with the skills to advise
about health and nutrition, behaviour, training, socialisation, as well
as basic first aid for your cat or dog. Our team of dedicated pet lovers
can also provide information about Purina products and services to help
you give your pet the best possible care. If you’ve got a question
about any aspect of caring for your four-legged friend, the Ask Purina
team is here to help. Contact them here
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