Our homes are full of things that curious pets might sniff, lick or chew. While many everyday items are harmless to us, some can cause serious illness in animals. Knowing what to keep out of reach can help you create a safer home for your furry, feathered or small animal companions.
Human medications Never give your pet human medication. Common pain relief medicines, including ibuprofen and paracetamol, can be dangerous for animals. Paracetamol is particularly toxic to cats. Store medicines in a secure cupboard, keep handbags containing medication out of reach and pick up dropped tablets immediately.
Garden products Pesticides, fertilisers, weedkillers and rodent baits can harm pets. Curious animals may chew packaging, eat granules or come into contact with treated areas. Keep these products securely stored and follow the label’s instructions about when pets can safely return to an area. Check with your vet if you’re unsure whether a product is suitable around your animals.
Toxic plants Some plants and flowers can be dangerous if chewed or swallowed. Check the exact plant species before bringing it into your home or garden, as risks vary between plants and animals. True lilies and daylilies are especially dangerous to cats and can cause life-threatening kidney damage. Even licking pollen from their coat or drinking water from a vase containing these lilies can be harmful. Avoid them entirely in homes with cats.
Essential oils “Natural” doesn’t always mean safe for pets. Certain essential oils can be harmful and the risk depends on the oil, its concentration and how your pet is exposed. Keep oils out of reach and don’t apply them to your pet’s skin or coat without veterinary advice. Speak with your vet before using them around animals.
Household cleaning products Cleaning products can be harmful if swallowed or used incorrectly. Store them securely, follow the label and keep pets away while cleaning until the area is safe for them to return. Birds can be particularly sensitive to fumes, so seek veterinary advice about suitable products for their environment.
Foods to keep off the menu Some foods we enjoy should never be shared with pets:
- Chocolate and caffeine: Chocolate, coffee and other caffeinated products can cause serious illness.
- Onions and garlic: These can damage red blood cells in dogs and cats, including when used as ingredients in meals.
- Grapes, raisins and sultanas: These can cause kidney damage in dogs.
- Xylitol: This sweetener, found in some sugar-free products, can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar and liver damage in dogs.
- Macadamia nuts: These can cause weakness, vomiting and tremors in dogs.
- Alcohol: Drinks and foods containing alcohol can cause serious poisoning.
- Raw yeast dough: Uncooked bread or pizza dough can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol as it ferments.
Keep food, scraps and rubbish secure. Check ingredients before offering a treat and remember that foods suitable for one animal may be unsafe for another.
What if your pet is exposed?
Contact your vet or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately if you think your pet has eaten or been exposed to something harmful. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. If safe, prevent further exposure and keep the packaging, ingredient list or a photograph of the item to help your vet identify it. Take a record of when the exposure happened and roughly how much your pet may have swallowed. Do not try to make your pet vomit or give home remedies unless a veterinary professional tells you to. If you’re unsure whether something is safe, ask your vet. A few simple precautions can help keep your pet safe within your home.
