Could your “treat” be harming your pet?
As a first-time pet owner, you want to be as diligent as ever to ensure that your newfound fur baby is as healthy as can be. You take them on walks, you give them the right food and you make sure that all of their vaccinations are up to date.
However, the most simple of things may not cross your mind. Did you know that when you share a piece of your lunch or sneak them a “people food” treat, that treat could be harmful to them? Sure your intentions are good but human food can be extremely dangerous for your pets amongst other household items that you may not be aware of.
March is Poison Prevention Awareness month and here at Miami Pet Concierge, we wanted to break down the household items that are most poisonous to your pets.
We’re sure many items will surprise you as they seem the most innocent of things, but we can assure you, in the paws of your pet- these could be lethal.
So let’s put on our pet parents’ caps and get to work on providing a safe environment for our fur babies.
Household Items
When we think of our pets we should think of them as children. What household items look fun to play with, chew on, and even digest? Creating a safe space in your home for pets is the equivalent of baby-proofing your home for your child.
Here are a few of the simplest household items that need to be kept out of reach of your pet’s paws.
- Tylenol: It may be a huge pain reliever for us humans but for our four-legged friends this pharmaceutical and many like it, can cause major organ damage.
- Insecticides: The label may say non-toxic but if your pet is as curious as a cat then these can be a choking hazard.
- Cleaning products: Are you someone that keeps your cleaning products in the lowest cabinet in your laundry? We would advise seeking higher grounds for products such as bleach, window cleaners, and bathroom cleaners.
- Pennies: Loose change can be terribly annoying but it can also be terribly hazardous if your pet decides to ingest some that have fallen on the ground.
- Fertilizer: It’s natural right? Unfortunately not. This actually contains phosphorous and nitrogen chemicals. The garden should be a safe place for your pet, so create a barrier of sorts to keep them out of the fertilizer.
Pets are curious and love to explore. Puppy and kitty proof your home so that it can be a safe space for them to roam too.
Dangerous Foods
It’s always best to be aware of what you are, putting into your pet’s food bowls as they are the ones trusting you to provide them with the best nutrition.
The reason that these foods can be toxic to your pet is because of the rate pets metabolize food. Some foods we eat as humans will not break down in a dog and cats’ stomach and therefore can become toxic, especially in large doses.
You may see some items on here that you have given to your dog or cat before and the outcome was fine, however, knowing the facts should encourage you to keep this specific list somewhere close by to be used as a reference.
Toxic Foods For Pets:
- Garlic
- Avocado
- Yeast
- Chocolate
- Rhubarb
- Citrus Oil
- Macadamia Nuts
- Raisins
- Grapes
- Spinach
- Milk
- Xylitol
- Wild Mushrooms
- Iron Supplements
- Apples
- Tobacco
- Black Walnuts
- Nutmeg
- Peaches
- Currants
- Alcohol
- Leeks
- Mustard
- Fat Trimmings
- Coffee
- Cherries
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Chives
- Potato
- Apple Cores
If you would like to learn more about why the foods listed above are poisonous for pets, then please head over to this link where Newsweek deep dives into the facts about each ingredient and how they don’t pair well with your pet.
The Garden
When you think plants, you think natural and that anything that is under Mother Nature’s roof should be good for all animals. That couldn’t be more wrong. The next time you pick up some flowers or decide to become a green thumb and plant your own garden make sure that the plants you choose are ones that aren’t toxic to your dog or cat.
Here are some plants that look and smell beautiful to us but can be deadly for your pets:
- Tulips
- Azaleas
- Oleander
- Amaryllis
- Aloe vera
- Mandrake
- Mistletoe
- Hyacinths
- Daffodils
- Tomato Stems
- Milkweed
- Eucalyptus
- Ivy
- Jade
- Dumb cane
- Philodendron
- Pathos
- Sago palm
- ZZ plant
- Elephant ear
- Corn plant
- Asparagus plant
- Desert rose
- Bird of paradise
- Peace lily
- Chinese evergreen
You may be thinking that your pets are a lot more fragile than you had imagined. Navigating these new insights as pet parents can seem overwhelming and that is why we wanted to give you a simple breakdown.
Don’t concern yourself that you weren’t aware of these items. Trust us when we say a lot of pet parents who have been in the pet game for a long time probably aren’t aware of all of the poisonous items in their house. Now that you know, you can ensure you can provide a safe environment for your four-legged friend.
Want to be in the know of more tips like these? Subscribe to Miami Pet Concierge’s newsletter where you will receive a bi-weekly email with tips on how to be the best pet parent you can be.
Nicole founded Miami Pet Concierge in May 2007 with a mission to provide Miami, Florida’s pet parents with personalized pet care plans based on their pets’ species, age, breed, health, and lifestyle – All while keeping their pets “happy at home.” In addition, offering pet care education to all pet owners to help them become great pet parents.
