Most of us know that exposure to household toxins like asbestos can lead to mesothelioma in humans; animals are just as susceptible to common hazards. Understanding that there are hidden dangers lurking around their house, pet owners can keep their furry friends safe, healthy and ultimately protected.
Most pet owners know to keep dangerous materials away from their animals such as cleaning supplies, people food and antifreeze, because any inquisitive pet easily ingests those items. However, there are more household items overlooked by pet owners that are equally as dangerous that a pet may ingest or inhale.
Household garbage poses the single, largest threat to any pets’ health. Animals are drawn to the smelly refuse, typically looking for delicious scraps of people food left over. Especially with dogs, picking through the trash to find the tastiest bits is not practical; instead, any trash that smells good is munched.
This is a terrible hazard since garbage cans hold a smorgasbord of household waste including medications, paper towels used for cleaning, and even batteries. Broken glass, say from a light bulb, can cut an animals’ gums or tongue, and can cause horrible damage to the esophagus or stomach if swallowed.
Many pet owners do not know the threat airborne toxins can have on their furry shadows. Inhalation of any toxin, like bleach vapors, secondhand smoke or paint fumes not only have damaging health risks for people, but also for pets. Animals are naturally curious, exploring the world through their sense of smell or taste, simply investigating what their owners are doing can be risky.
Though most pet owners understand the dangers cleaning supplies can pose for their animals, but what is often missed are the hazards of home renovations. Construction dust, insulation particles, asbestos or mold, common side effects of any renovation project, are also unsafe for animals.
Anything that is toxic for people is also toxic for pets. This overlooked hazard can often cause silent, yet deadly diseases in pets. Especially with inhaled toxins, animals can develop respiratory problems, circulatory disorders or cancer.
Simply, if it is unsafe or unhealthy for humans, it is also for animals. By following a few easy rules, any pet owner can keep their animals happy and healthy.
Keep trashcans securely covered.Do not put unused or expired medications in the trash or down the drain. Many communities have safe ways to get rid of medications through local refuse collection sites.For cleaning or renovation projects, wear a protective mask and coverings, have proper ventilation and keep pets away.Do not leave any hazardous items on the floor, counters, tables or anywhere a pet can easily access.Keep dangerous products, like cleaning supplies, renovation materials or unsafe people food in a locked cabinet. Since many pets are able to open cabinets easily, attach child locks.For any extended home renovation including painting, tiling, wallpapering, sanding or refinishing surfaces, keep pets out of the house. If the renovation lasts more than a day, keep pets at a friend’s house or a kennel. Animals can not only ingest or inhale hazardous materials, there is also a threat of animals stepping on nails, glass, insulation or broken tile.Always inspect pets’ mouths, eyes, ears and feet to see any telltale signs of naughty behavior.
The most important way pet owners can protect their furry friends is to use common sense. Remember “If it is dangerous for me, it is dangerous for them.” For many pet owners, having an inquisitive shadow is so common that sometimes they can forget what they are doing may not be healthy for their animals.
By keeping a watchful eye on your curious friend, you can keep them safe and healthy. If you suspect that your pet ingested or inhaled a toxin, seek immediate veterinary care.
ASPCA. Tobacco is Toxic for Toto, Too. Accessed on December 2, 2010. (http://www.aspca.org/pressroom/press-releases/041510.html)
ASPCA. Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2009. Accessed on December 2, 2010. (http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/top-10-pet-poisons-of-the-year.html)
**Thanks to the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance for this article
View the original article here
Showing posts with label Pets Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pets Health. Show all posts
Winter Pet Safety Tips
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Pets Health
The North Shore Animal League of America would like to give you some tips to keep your pets chillin’ instead of chilled this winter!
1. Antifreeze and Rock Salt are Poisonous to Pets: Make sure you keep these and other harmful chemicals out of your pet’s reach or path. You may want to look into finding more eco- and pet-friendly products.
2. Pets Should Not be Left in the Car: Most people know not to leave their pets in the car in the summer, but the same goes for winter. A car interior can get as cold as an ice box and a pet will easily freeze if left inside with no heat, and, likewise, needs ventilation.
3. A Parked Car Can be a Warm Retreat for Feral and Stray Cats: They sometimes hide underneath, in your wheel well (Theodore used to love doing this…), under the hood and close to the warm engine. Be sure the coast is clear and you check for kitties before starting your car, especially if you’re parked in an area where you know there are strays or feral colonies.
4. Be Sure to Wipe Your Dog’s Feet and Underbelly After Winter Walks: Rock salt, ice, snow packs, and more can get caught in pads, between toes, etc. Most of the time your dog will stop and hold his paw lame if something is stuck, but don’t forget to wipe him down when you get home or else he’ll have cold paws and a frozen belly!! Also, if he steps in salt, the chemicals can stick to pads and when he licks them he’ll accidentally ingest i.
5. ALL PETS NEED TO BE INSIDE IN THE WINTER: NO EXCUSES on this one. NEVER leave your pet outside in the cold, even in a doghouse. When the temperature drops, particularly at night, your pet can freeze to death – NO exaggeration. Even if he loves snow and being outside, it’s wholly dangerous to leave him unattended, even if he has blankets in his house. If you notice a pet being locked outside in the winter, be sure you report it to your local animal control facility.
Other Tips:
-Keep an eye on your pet’s water dish to ensure it doesn’t freeze.
-Short-coated dogs are especially vulnerable to the cold and shouldn’t be outside unattended or for too long.
-Keep your pet groomed. Believe it or not, knotted or matted hair doesn’t insulate properly. Brush your dog’s hair regularly in the wintertime especially.
-Adjust your pet’s diet as necessary. If your dog spends a lot of time outside, he may need more calories in the winter to produce body heat. If your dog spends most of his time indoors and has a decrease in activity, he may require fewer calories. When in doubt, always ask your vet about seasonal diet changes.
** If, despite these precautions your pet suffers from exposure to the cold, wrap him up in a blanket and go to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not immerse your pet in warm water and avoid heating pads that may cause thermal burns. **
View the original article here
1. Antifreeze and Rock Salt are Poisonous to Pets: Make sure you keep these and other harmful chemicals out of your pet’s reach or path. You may want to look into finding more eco- and pet-friendly products.
2. Pets Should Not be Left in the Car: Most people know not to leave their pets in the car in the summer, but the same goes for winter. A car interior can get as cold as an ice box and a pet will easily freeze if left inside with no heat, and, likewise, needs ventilation.
3. A Parked Car Can be a Warm Retreat for Feral and Stray Cats: They sometimes hide underneath, in your wheel well (Theodore used to love doing this…), under the hood and close to the warm engine. Be sure the coast is clear and you check for kitties before starting your car, especially if you’re parked in an area where you know there are strays or feral colonies.
4. Be Sure to Wipe Your Dog’s Feet and Underbelly After Winter Walks: Rock salt, ice, snow packs, and more can get caught in pads, between toes, etc. Most of the time your dog will stop and hold his paw lame if something is stuck, but don’t forget to wipe him down when you get home or else he’ll have cold paws and a frozen belly!! Also, if he steps in salt, the chemicals can stick to pads and when he licks them he’ll accidentally ingest i.
5. ALL PETS NEED TO BE INSIDE IN THE WINTER: NO EXCUSES on this one. NEVER leave your pet outside in the cold, even in a doghouse. When the temperature drops, particularly at night, your pet can freeze to death – NO exaggeration. Even if he loves snow and being outside, it’s wholly dangerous to leave him unattended, even if he has blankets in his house. If you notice a pet being locked outside in the winter, be sure you report it to your local animal control facility.
Other Tips:
-Keep an eye on your pet’s water dish to ensure it doesn’t freeze.
-Short-coated dogs are especially vulnerable to the cold and shouldn’t be outside unattended or for too long.
-Keep your pet groomed. Believe it or not, knotted or matted hair doesn’t insulate properly. Brush your dog’s hair regularly in the wintertime especially.
-Adjust your pet’s diet as necessary. If your dog spends a lot of time outside, he may need more calories in the winter to produce body heat. If your dog spends most of his time indoors and has a decrease in activity, he may require fewer calories. When in doubt, always ask your vet about seasonal diet changes.
** If, despite these precautions your pet suffers from exposure to the cold, wrap him up in a blanket and go to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not immerse your pet in warm water and avoid heating pads that may cause thermal burns. **
View the original article here
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