Keep your pets safe from common household items

If you have pets in your household, you understand the benefits they bring to your family. Their inquisitiveness, unconditional love, and playfulness make every day different. You just never know what they’ll do next to put a smile on your face.
March is pet poison prevention awareness month. This is a great opportunity if you’re a new or a veteran pet owner to learn or be reminded about the different items around your home that can be dangerous to your furry friend. Or, if you’re traveling on spring break this year, please make sure your pet sitter is aware of dangerous items as well.
As the owner of an orange tabby cat named Toulouse, I’m always amazed and what he finds on the floors around our home. If anyone has something that he’s interested in, we can’t turn our backs on him for one second. If we do, he’s on it.
Here are some things around your house that can be dangerous and lead to potentially life-threatening situations.
Household chemicals. With more daylight already here and the transition to warmer temperatures around the corner, you may find the urge to do some spring cleaning or projects around your home. If so, remember to keep these household items away from your pet:
Toilet bowl cleaner
Drain cleaner
Paint
Paint thinner
Pool chemicals
Antifreeze
Food. We’re very strict with Toulouse’s food. He only gets dry pet food and some cat treats daily. While you may think it’s nice to broaden your pets’ horizons with human food, there are some foods that are very toxic. Some examples include:
Chocolate
Xylitol (sugar-free sweetener found in gum)
Coffee grounds
Alcohol
Meat
Nuts
Onion and garlic
Dairy products
Baby food
Grapes and raisins
Medications. Have you ever set down your medication while getting a glass of water and then got distracted by something else? If you have, you understand the sudden panic that sets in when you realize what you did. While some human medications may be ok as prescribed by veterinarians, make sure to keep medications in a secure place. Never leave medication on the counter in a bottle or plastic bag. If your pet sets his mind to it, he will get the package open. Medications include:
Pain relievers
Antidepressants
Blood pressure medications
Vitamins
Joint supplements
Plants and flowers. Plants and flowers are a nice and affordable way to add some color and beauty to your home. However, depending on the type, they can be very poisonous. Here are a few that should be kept away from your pets:
Azaleas
Daffodils
Lilies
Outdoor items. As you work to get your lawn, flower beds, and gardens ready to grow, don’t forget to use caution with fertilizer. If you spill some, clean it up immediately. Keep fertilizer in a closed, locked cabinet if you have children or pets. Additional dangerous items include rodenticides and insecticides.