As a pet owner, there's nothing quite like our furry friends' companionship. In addition to friendship and emotional support, pets may lower your blood pressure and cortisol levels. Dogs also provide a reason for getting exercise and fresh air. But when it comes to senior pet owners, they must take extra steps to ensure their four-legged family members stay safe and sound. Senior Helpers Webster Groves, an in-home senior care company in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Webster Groves, Richmond Heights, Kirkwood, Affton, Frontenac, Mehlville, Crestwood, and Oakville, put together some simple tips and tricks to help you identify and remove everyday poisonous household items that can be hazardous to your pet's health. Read on to learn more.
Identifying Poisonous Household Items
Common Household Items That Are Poisonous
Many everyday household items may pose a threat to your pet's health. Some of the most common poisonous things you should be aware of include
- Cleaning supplies such as laundry detergent and products with bleach-If possible, use non-toxic cleaning products.
- Human medications- Don't leave a dose of your prescription medication on a counter.
- Food items- Dogs love table scraps, but take care of what you give them. Chocolate especially poses a danger.
- Garden products and some plants- Store fertilizers safely and research plant toxicity. For example, ingesting lilies may cause illness or even death in cats.
- Over-the-counter medications- Keep vitamins and pain medications out of reach.
Signs of Poisoning in Pets
If you suspect your pet has ingested a poisonous substance, look for the following signs: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, or difficulty breathing. If you see any of these signs, it's essential to act quickly and bring your pet to the vet right away.
Removing Poisonous Household Items
Pet-Proofing Your Home
To avoid pet poisoning, you should keep poisonous items out of your pet's reach. Keep all hazardous items in cabinets or high shelves, lock them away with child-proof latches, and dispose of expired medications. You should also take special precautions when using products like insecticides and rat poisons and store them in areas entirely inaccessible to your pet.
Storing and Disposing of Poisonous Items
When storing and disposing of poisonous items, follow the instructions on the label. If you don't see any instructions, consult a veterinarian to determine the safest way to store or discard the item. It's also essential to ensure you never pour toxic chemicals down the drain, as they may seep into the water supply and end up in your pet's food or water. Pouring poisonous chemicals down the drain represents a threat to the environment in general.
We Can Help
Keeping your pet safe around the house helps ensure that they remain healthy and active. If you live in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Webster Groves, Richmond Heights, Kirkwood, Affton, Frontenac, Mehlville, Crestwood, or Oakville and need help with pet-proofing your home or caring for your senior pet, contact Senior Helpers Webster Groves today. Our experienced and compassionate care providers are here to help.