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These common household items could poison your pet

Your house may seem pretty safe at first glance but vets reported almost 11,000 pet poisonings in the UK last year. Although there are no official figures for the number of fatalities associated with these poisonings, it is estimated that around 8% of cases end in the death of a pet. Fatal poisoning cases are known to have involved baby wipes, pesticides, bleach and antifreeze. There has also been a sharp rise in incidents involving vitamin D supplements and e-cigarettes but human painkillers are still the biggest cause of pet poisonings.

Here are some other common household items that could be harming your furry family members:

1. Food

Chocolate is still a big problem for dogs, despite most owners knowing that it can be harmful to their canine companions. The high level of caffeine found in chocolate (particularly dark and cooking chocolate) can cause vomiting and diarrhoea as well as excessive thirst, hyperactivity and seizures if ingested. Another more surprising hazard is that of garlic, onion and chives which can kill off red blood cells, causing Heinz body anemia, and can affect cats and even horses. Cats & dogs should also be kept away from grapes and raisins as they can cause kidney failure, although the exact reason for this is still unknown.

2. Household chemicals

Common household cleaning products contain a whole array of chemicals that can be damaging for humans and pets alike if accidentally ingested. Unfortunately we use such a wide range of products from insecticide to detergent to antifreeze that eliminating them from the home can be tricky. It’s best to ensure that these products are stored in a locked cupboard, well out of reach.

3. Plants

There are several plants that can be severely detrimental to your pets’ health. For example, lilies are extremely poisonous to cats and even the slightest contact can prove fatal if untreated quickly. Aloe Vera is another common household plant that can be toxic to cats and dogs. Luckily, there are several helpful lists available online to help you keep your four-legged friends away from toxic plants.

Fri Sep 29 2017