If you are like most people, then you absolutely love your pet.
That means you want to keep him or her (or them) safe no matter what. But all too often, pet owners don’t even know about the most common hazards to their pets. It’s good to do your research so you will know what to keep your pup or kitty away from. After all, it’s up to you to make sure they are healthy and happy.
Take a look at some of the most common hazards for pet owners, and keep these in mind when you are taking care of your animal. You will feel more at ease when you know he or she stays away from these things.
Stings from Insects
If your pet spends a lot of time outside, you need to think about stings from insects. Stings can be incredibly common, but they can hurt your dog or cat a lot. Therefore, try to keep your yard free of stinging insects, and always make sure you watch them when you take them on walks or hikes.
Grass
Many pet owners don’t realize that grass can be dangerous for their pets. This is especially true for cats, who tend to eat long grass. The blades can get stuck in their nose, which can cause respiratory problems. This could even result in an emergency.
Ivy
Some plants that are fine for humans can cause your pets a lot of issues. One such plant is ivy. Dogs that eat this plant can start drooling, vomiting, or even experience diarrhea. When it comes into contact with their skin, it can cause a rash. Note that this isn’t the same thing as poison ivy.
Raisins
Sure, raisins might be healthy for humans, but they are anything but for dogs. In fact, consuming raisins or grapes, sultanas, or currants can actually cause kidney failure in dogs. You might think that just a little bit wouldn’t hurt your pooch. But that’s not the case. Veterinarians agree that there is no safe amount for canine consumption.
Chocolate
Chocolate is perhaps the most famous pet hazard of all. Most pet owners know that they shouldn’t feed their cats or dogs chocolate. However, most of the problem comes not from owners directly giving their animals chocolate but from animals finding some that their owners have left around.
Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant that is poisonous for cats and dogs. Baking chocolate and dark chocolate contain the most theobromine of any type of chocolate, so it’s especially important to keep these varieties away from your pets.
Garden Flowers
You probably want to make your garden look beautiful this season. But did you know that many common flowers are poisonous to dogs? It’s true. Some of the most common poisonous species include daffodils, azaleas, and even lilies. Most of the time, the bulbs of these plants are more dangerous than the actual head of the flower.
But even that can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and other problems. If you have a dog, consider leaving these flowers out of your garden. That way, you won’t have to watch him or her in the yard as closely. Instead, your pup can have fun without you having to worry.
Barbecues
As the weather starts to heat up, you might want to host a barbecue. Or maybe you just want to attend one and bring your dog along. However, that may not be the best idea. Unless you have an exceptionally well-behaved dog, consider leaving Fido at home. Then, you won’t have to worry about him or her chewing on bones or getting hurt on a kebab skewer.
By avoiding these common hazards, you can ensure your pet is safe as can be this spring and summer.
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