When it comes to keeping your pet safe, you want what is best for them. While it can seem tempting to feed them human foods, some of them can actually be quite dangerous for your furry friend. Other substances, such as household cleaners, can be equally dangerous.
Some Types of Foods
Some kinds of chocolate can be very dangerous for cats and dogs. Chocolate is toxic because of the theobromine in it. This is related to caffeine. If the chocolate is darker and more concentrated, then it is more dangerous. There is a range of sugarless candies and gum, which contain xylitol. This is a sweetener that is dangerous to your pets.
If your pet ingests it even in small amounts, then the blood sugar can drop to life-threatening levels. The liver can also fail as a result of ingesting xylitol. You might not think of grapes and raisins as being harmful, but they can cause kidney failure in your pet.
Insecticides
Ingesting pesticides or insecticides can be life-threatening to pets. The ones that contain organophosphates are even more harmful to your pet. Using tick and flea treatments on your dog can work well. However, you will want to avoid the improper use of them for cats. You will need to read the labels carefully. If they contain pyrethroids, then they will be severely toxic if they are applied directly to the skin.
Rodenticides
There are many different chemicals contained in rat and mouse poisons. Each type has active ingredients and kinds of action. This makes them poisonous to your pet. Depending on the type of rat poison ingested, the pet may experience brain swelling, internal bleeding, kidney failure, and severe vomiting. Your pet is also in danger of relay toxicity. If your pet eats a dead rodent that had rat poison, then the pet can become sick.
Common Household Cleaners
A strong alkaline or acidic cleaner poses a high risk to your furry friends. This is because they are corrosive. Products, such as toilet bowl cleaners, lye, rust removers, drain cleaners, and lime removers, are all toxic.
Even if a product says that it is “natural”, it may not be completely safe. Some types of natural products can cause severe negative reactions in your pet. A general cleaner, such as a spot remover or a glass product, is generally safe. However, it is a good idea to keep all these products out of the reach of your pets.
NSAIDS, Including Ibuprofen
Common types of over-the-counter drugs, such as NSAIDs, can cause harm to your pet. These drugs can include Aleve and Advil. This can cause intestinal ulcers and stomach problems. The kidneys may also begin to fail. If you use a human NSAID in your pet, then they are in danger. You should always consult your vet before giving your pet any medication.
If you are interested in learning more about pet poisons, please contact our vets at Mokena Animal Clinic in Mokena, Illinois, today.
