Have you ever had to take an object away from your pet? Our furry friends are adorable when they are feeling playful, but they don’t always know what is and isn’t safe for them. Read on as a local Eau Claire, WI vet offers a few tips on petproofing.
Small/Sharp Objects
Anything small and/or sharp can pose a serious hazard to a frisky pet. This includes things like coins, beads, buttons, jewelry, pens and pencils, screws, nails, safety pins, paperclips, sewing kit pieces, fishing lures, and hair accessories.
Toxic Plants
Plants are one of the biggest concerns for pet owners to be aware of. While some may only cause an upset stomach, others, such as Sago palms, can be deadly, even in small doses. Check the ASPCA website here for a complete list of safe and unsafe plants.
Personal Items
To a playful pet, anything and everything can be a toy. Fluffy probably won’t do much damage if she attacks your shoe, but Fido may very well destroy it, and could also swallow some of the pieces.
Plastic Bags/Ties
Plastic bags, ties, and wrappers are also a concern. Cats, for some reason, are often drawn by the texture of plastic, and try to chew it. Keep these things out of paws’ reach!
Wires And Cords
Anything that looks like rope or string can make a tempting target for Fido or Fluffy. Your furry pal could be seriously injured if they chew on a live wire or pull a lamp down onto themselves! Drape cords are also dangerous, as they pose serious choking hazards. Whenever possible, secure wires and cords. Things that must be left exposed can be treated with taste deterrent.
Chemicals/Medications
Many common household items are toxic to pets. Keep medicines, automotive products, lawn and garden products, pesticides, paint, cleaning agents, and other chemicals in secure places.
The Yard
Do you have a yard for your dog to chase squirrels in? If so, that’s great! Make sure that your fencing is secure, and too tall for Fido to jump over. If your canine buddy has a habit of digging, bury chicken wire along the fence line, and weight it down with rocks. We also recommend getting a self-latching gate. Don’t forget to check for toxic plants!
Is your pet due for an examination, vaccines, or parasite control? Contact us, your Eau Claire, WI vet clinic, today!
