Our homes are meant to be safe havens, but for pets, they can sometimes be filled with hidden dangers. While we might not think twice about everyday items like cleaning supplies or certain foods, these can pose serious risks to our furry friends. Cats and dogs, in particular, love to explore and may come across things that aren’t exactly pet-friendly. To ensure your pet remains healthy and happy, it’s important to be aware of common household hazards and how to prevent accidents. Here’s a guide on how to keep your pet safe from potential dangers lurking in your home.

As much as we love sharing food with our pets, not all human food is safe for them. In fact, many common household foods can be toxic or even life-threatening.

• Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, which is highly toxic to both dogs and cats. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid breathing, and, in severe cases, heart failure.
• Grapes and Raisins: These might seem like harmless snacks, but they can cause kidney failure in dogs.
• Onions and Garlic: Found in many home-cooked meals, these ingredients can damage a pet’s red blood cells, leading to anaemia.
• Xylitol: This artificial sweetener, often found in sugar-free gum and sweets, is extremely dangerous for dogs. It can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar, leading to seizures and liver failure.

Tip: Always store food out of reach, and if you’re unsure whether a certain food is safe, it’s best to avoid giving it to your pet. Instead, treat them with pet-friendly snacks made specifically for their dietary needs.

Houseplants add beauty to our homes, but some can be toxic if ingested by curious pets. Cats, in particular, are known for nibbling on leaves or flowers, so it’s crucial to know which plants are harmful.

• Lilies: Lilies are especially dangerous to cats. Ingesting even a small amount can lead to kidney failure.
• Aloe Vera: While it’s a great plant for soothing burns for humans, aloe is toxic to both dogs and cats.
• Sago Palm: Every part of this plant is poisonous to pets, with the seeds being the most dangerous. Ingesting it can lead to severe liver damage.
• Daffodils and Tulips: These spring favourites can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and, in some cases, heart issues if eaten.

Tip: Keep toxic plants out of reach, or better yet, opt for pet-safe plants like spider plants, ferns, or bamboo palm. If you love greenery but aren’t sure what’s safe, research before bringing any new plants into your home.

Cleaning products help us keep our homes spotless, but many contain chemicals that are harmful to pets. Even small amounts of certain cleaners can cause irritation, burns, or poisoning if ingested or inhaled.

• Bleach: Often found in disinfectants, bleach can cause severe irritation to a pet’s mouth and throat if consumed.
• Ammonia: Found in many glass cleaners, ammonia can lead to respiratory issues if inhaled by pets, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
• Antifreeze: Pets are attracted to the sweet taste of antifreeze, but even a small amount is deadly if ingested. It can cause kidney failure and death in just a few hours.
• Toilet Bowl Cleaners: These can be especially dangerous for pets who are tempted to drink from the toilet. The chemicals can cause severe internal burns.

Tip: Keep all cleaning supplies, chemicals, and antifreeze stored securely in cupboards or high shelves that pets can’t access. Consider switching to pet-friendly cleaning products that are less harmful if they come into contact with your furry friends.

Pets love to explore with their mouths, and many common household items can become choking hazards. Small objects are particularly tempting to cats and dogs who enjoy chewing or playing with things they shouldn’t.

• Coins and Buttons: Small and shiny, these objects can easily get swallowed, leading to choking or blockages.
• Rubber Bands and Hair Ties: These stretchy items are often irresistible to pets, but they can become lodged in their digestive tract if swallowed.
• Children’s Toys: Toys with small parts, especially those made of plastic, can break and pose a choking risk for pets.
• Batteries: Swallowing a battery can cause chemical burns and poisoning, making it a serious hazard.

Tip: Keep small objects, including children’s toys, out of reach of your pets. Be mindful of anything that could be easily knocked off a table or left lying around. If you’ve got a pet who loves chewing, provide them with safe, durable toys instead.

For pets that love to chew, electrical cords can be extremely dangerous. Both dogs and cats may chew through a cord, risking electric shock or burns.

• Chewed Cords: This can lead to severe burns in your pet’s mouth or even fatal electric shock.
• Dangling Cables: These can be tempting for playful cats who love to bat at dangling objects, putting them at risk of pulling down lamps, TVs, or other appliances.

Tip: Secure any loose or hanging cords using cable ties or protective covers to prevent pets from chewing or playing with them. Consider using pet-safe cord protectors or spray deterrents to discourage chewing.

Human medications are one of the most common causes of pet poisoning. Even over-the-counter medicines that seem harmless to us can be dangerous, so it’s important to store all medications securely.

• Painkillers: Drugs like paracetamol and ibuprofen are toxic to pets and can cause stomach ulcers, kidney failure, or liver damage.
• Antidepressants: Medications for anxiety and depression can cause agitation, tremors, seizures, and heart problems if ingested by pets.
• Vitamins and Supplements: Even natural supplements can cause harm if pets ingest them in large quantities.

Tip: Always store medications, including supplements, in a locked cupboard or drawer that your pet can’t access. Never leave pills or tablets on counters, and ensure you never give your pet human medication without consulting a vet.

Pet-proofing is much like baby-proofing—securing areas that could be dangerous, keeping harmful items out of reach, and creating a safe space for your pet to play and explore.

• Secure Trash Bins: Pets love to rummage through the bin, but it can contain harmful foods, sharp objects, and toxic substances. Use bins with secure lids or place them in cupboards.
• Close the Toilet Lid: Some pets enjoy drinking from the toilet, but this can expose them to harmful chemicals from cleaning products.
• Pet Gates: If certain rooms or areas of your house pose a risk (e.g., kitchens, laundry rooms), consider using pet gates to limit your pet’s access.

Your pet’s safety is always a top priority, and by being aware of common household hazards, you can create a secure environment for them to thrive. From toxic foods and dangerous plants to electrical cords and small objects, there are many potential risks in the home. However, with some simple precautions, you can minimise these hazards and ensure your home is a safe haven for your beloved furry friend. After all, a happy, healthy pet makes for a happy, healthy home!