If you’re one of the 68% of American households that own a pet, you’re probably making a big investment in food, veterinary care, toys and so on, to ensure that your animal companion has a happy, health life. This can be even more expensive when moving to a new home in Calgary or any other area. But something not all pet owners think about is potential hazards around the home.

For example, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center handles tens of thousands of pets exposed to hazardous things and toxic substances every year, with the most common being prescription medications. Unsafe foods like grapes, chocolate and certain nuts, poisonous plants, and household items such as paint and glue are just a few of the others.

So, how do you best keep your four-legged friends safe from those and other dangers?

Check Your Indoor Plants

 

If you have plants, make sure they’re safe for your pet. The ASPCA offers a database of non-toxic and toxic plants, but some of the most common that are toxic to pets include poinsettia, ivy, aloe, mums and lilies (known to cause kidney failure in cats).

Install Window Screens

 

Cats love to sit in windows – if you plan on opening yours when the weather is warm and you have a feline, be sure you’ve installed window screens. One of the most common accidents involving the animals are falls from two-story homes and high-rise buildings which can lead to serious injuries or even death.

Get Trash Cans with Lids and Keep Potentially Toxic Foods Away

 

Bathroom trash cans tend to have hazards like old razor blades that could end up cutting your pet, and kitchen trash cans are often filled with foods that are potentially toxic or a choking hazard, such as fruit cores and seeds, and chicken bones, which makes it essential to keep them lidded at all times.

Fruit seeds can also be hazardous when eaten as many contain natural substances that can lead to fatal cyanide poisoning in dogs. Raisins and grapes are known to cause kidney failure, and many other foods can be toxic like chocolate, macadamia nuts, coffee grinds, gum that contains Xylitol and even nutmeg, which may lead to nervous system damage, seizures and tremors.

Child-Proof Locks for Cabinets

 

Just like you would for a toddler or small child, invest in child-proof locks for cabinets, which can contain all sorts of items that may be a serious hazard, from cleaning supplies, medications and sharp utensils to antifreeze. Antifreeze has a taste and smell that’s very appealing to dogs and cats – leading to some 10,000 companion animals dying each year as a result. While most animals can’t open up cabinet doors, some that are especially clever can manage to do it but child-locks will keep them away from harm.

Keep Electrical Cords Out of Reach

 

Dogs that like to chew often head to electrical cords which could end up giving them a serious jolt of electricity, not to mention the frustration it can cause for you when you go to use the item it’s attached to. Whenever possible, keep those cords out of reach, of the ground, or try to block them with furniture.
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