 Image via Flickr by Roman Schurte | By Aaron Thompson As pet guardians, we want to take the very best care of our constant companions. While we work hard to ensure our four-legged friends are protected from harm, there are unfortunately many harmful substances that show up in places we don’t expect – in cleaning supplies, our favorite foods, and sometimes, even products designed for dogs! The good news is that there are many precautions we can take to safeguard our little loves from coming into contact with these toxic ingredients. The best way to keep our pets from danger is to keep the most dangerous materials and ingredients out of their reach, by locking them up, storing them on high shelves, or by avoiding bringing them home altogether. Here are a few culprits to be wary of: |
Household cleaning products. Many floor cleaners, lawn care treatments and even mothballs pose health risks to your dog. This article points out some of the most threatening ones, as well as some safe (yet effective) alternatives. If you have a pool, some of your favorite ways to keep it sparkling can also have devastating effects on your pet, both in and out of the water. Always remember to keep pool chemicals stored out of reach from curious pets.
People food. Many of us are guilty of giving our dogs a little taste of the food we’re enjoying here and there – I know I am! However, many of our favorite indulgences can be detrimental to the health of our pets. This helpful resource from the ASPCA advises some of the specific foods you should never share with your pet, and details how they may affect their health.
Pet food. Unfortunately, it’s not just human food that contains dangerous ingredients. There are often unhealthy additions to pet food, such as artificial coloring and preservatives, which can cause immediate or gradual health issues for our furry friends. This article written by a wellness veterinarian discusses some of the things to check for on dog food bags. If you ever have any doubts, it’s a good idea to consult with your vet about your particular animal’s needs and health risks.
Pet toys. Not all pet toys are created equally. BPA has recently been eliminated from many products for humans, like water bottles and food containers, but sometimes this harmful ingredient still shows up in pet products like their favorite squeaky toys. This article explains how some toys contain BPA and other materials that are unsafe for your pet’s health and recommends how to find safer alternatives.
Although there are nearly 180,000 reports of possible pet poisonings each year, there are many ways you can protect your pet from being one of these cases. Being aware of some of the products lurking in your home and keeping them inaccessible to your pets will help you enjoy many more healthy, happy years with your best pal.
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Aaron enjoys sharing reputable educational resources and writing about how to find them as a writer for Open Educators.
People food. Many of us are guilty of giving our dogs a little taste of the food we’re enjoying here and there – I know I am! However, many of our favorite indulgences can be detrimental to the health of our pets. This helpful resource from the ASPCA advises some of the specific foods you should never share with your pet, and details how they may affect their health.
Pet food. Unfortunately, it’s not just human food that contains dangerous ingredients. There are often unhealthy additions to pet food, such as artificial coloring and preservatives, which can cause immediate or gradual health issues for our furry friends. This article written by a wellness veterinarian discusses some of the things to check for on dog food bags. If you ever have any doubts, it’s a good idea to consult with your vet about your particular animal’s needs and health risks.
Pet toys. Not all pet toys are created equally. BPA has recently been eliminated from many products for humans, like water bottles and food containers, but sometimes this harmful ingredient still shows up in pet products like their favorite squeaky toys. This article explains how some toys contain BPA and other materials that are unsafe for your pet’s health and recommends how to find safer alternatives.
Although there are nearly 180,000 reports of possible pet poisonings each year, there are many ways you can protect your pet from being one of these cases. Being aware of some of the products lurking in your home and keeping them inaccessible to your pets will help you enjoy many more healthy, happy years with your best pal.
***
Aaron enjoys sharing reputable educational resources and writing about how to find them as a writer for Open Educators.
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