If you are a pet owner, you probably already know that pets are quite vulnerable to toxins in and out of your home. Because they are naturally curious and they don’t have an understanding of what toxins are and what they can do to their health, pets tend to explore them without reserve.

Unfortunately, your furry friend’s body is not built to fight off harmful toxins. In fact, because of their speedy metabolisms and smaller organs, their bodies need to work even harder just to eliminate any trace of poison.

Pet owners must go the extra mile to ensure their pets’ safety, but sometimes, even cat or dog training can’t guarantee that your pets won’t encounter those toxins. Nevertheless, you must still take extra precautions.

Here are some of the potentially toxic products that may be in your home:

1. Garden Herbicides or Insecticides

All those sprays that you use for your garden can have dangerous effects on your pets. Some of them contain metaldehyde, which can be toxic and lethal to dogs if they happen to ingest them. Metaldehyde is also found in most snail baits. Likewise, fly baits and other insecticides contain carbofuran or methomyl that can cause respiratory arrest in both cats and dogs, while garden insecticides with organophosphate can cause chronic anorexia and muscle twitching in animals.

You should consider finding pet-safe alternatives that are non-toxic to ensure that your pets are always safe. If you can’t get rid of the insecticides you are using now, make sure to store them where no pets can find them.

2. Flea Control Sprays and Treatments

Yes, even the flea control solutions used on your pets can be toxic when ingested! Keep in mind that even those that have the word ‘natural’ on the label aren’t 100% safe. For instance, sprays that contain the chemical D-limonene can be toxic to cats, and so are those that are “natural Pyrethrin.”

Unfortunately, even some essential oils that have been popular these past few years can be hazardous to cats. This is because cats cannot metabolize essential oils, and exposure to them can be fatal.

Instead, you might want to try electric flea traps that can help control fleas and can be used indoors, even with pets playing around. Diatomaceous Earth is also safe for pets and can help with other pests at home.

3. De-Icing Salts

If you use de-icing salts to melt snow, make sure that your dogs won’t walk on surfaces treated with them. Dogs tend to lick their paws, and if there is any residue of de-icing salts on their paws, they can get sick. You might notice your dog hyper-salivating or even vomiting. When ingested in high amounts, your pet can face gastrointestinal problems, lethargy, and you might also notice cracks and burns on their paw pads.

Because of this, you must choose an eco-friendly ice melting option that is safe for kids and pets alike, such as EcoTraction. Cat litter can also be used to provide traction on pavements that are covered with ice. Just remember to wash your dog’s paws after they walk on surfaces with de-icing salts.

4. Antifreeze

Antifreeze with ethylene glycol smells sweet to animals, so they are naturally attracted to this toxin. But when ingested, even in small amounts, this could kill pets. Sadly, if they happen to ingest this, the damage to their kidneys cannot be reversed.

Make sure that your pets will never be exposed to antifreeze. Any spills in your garage should be cleaned up immediately, and never leave this product where your cats or dogs can reach them. Better yet, if you think you’ll be using antifreeze in your garage or driveway where your dog could run to, you should consider taking your furry friend to your trusted doggie daycare in Brandon, Manitoba, where they will remain safe!

Conclusion

As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to ensure your beloved pets’ safety in and around your home. The chemicals mentioned above are just some of the many potential toxins that your cats or dogs should never have access to. Even your daily household cleaners, your bath salts, and others can potentially harm them.

One way to ensure that your pets won’t play with such chemicals is by getting them enrolled in dog training, where they’ll learn to follow commands. When they understand basic commands, you can better control their actions, too!

The Paw Resort can provide you with exceptional dog training in Brandon, MB. We also offer boarding, grooming, and play care services. We can pick up your dearest pet with our Tail Wagon so that you won’t have to leave your home to take them to our centre. Get in touch with us today to know more about our pet care services!