Our dogs can be our best friends.  We should always treat them as such. Part of the responsibility that comes with dog ownership is keeping harmful household items, like chemical cleaners or pharmaceuticals, out of reach. Much in the same way that we childproof our homes for new babies, we should also be aware of hazards in our homes that can make our dogs sick over time.

Knowing how to avoid certain products that can put our dogs at risk is the first step in keeping our pets safe and healthy. After all, the responsibility falls on us to protect our favorite four-legged friends.

Household cleaners

Products that contain high concentrations of ammonia, bleach, and chlorine can lead to your dog facing serious health issues, like kidney damage. Because dogs spend a lot of time with their noses to the floors and often lick things that smell tasty to them, it’s important to be extra careful in choosing your cleaners. Checking the ingredients of things like toilet bowl cleaner, disinfecting wipes and sprays, laundry detergents, and multi-purpose sprays is a good way to protect your dog. Choosing an organic household cleaner or one that has less harmful chemicals is essential to the well-being of your dog.

Garbage

It’s likely that you’ve found your dog with their nose in the garbage bin, sniffing around for some leftover snacks. However, the garbage can be quite dangerous for pets, containing things like expired food, used batteries, and old medications. By ingesting any of these substances, your dog may develop health issues and even need emergency medical attention. Make the extra effort to keep an eye on the garbage bin or the bags stowed in the garage to ensure that your dog stays safe (and clean!)

Furniture

A surprising amount of furniture in your home may contain formaldehyde, which is a harmful toxin for our dogs and ourselves. Furniture made from manufactured wood most likely has a high content of formaldehyde. If this toxin in somehow inhaled or enters into the body through a wound or cut, it can cause major health issues like cancer. Shopping for eco-friendly furniture is a way to avoid this risk for the benefit of you, your dog, and the environment.

Because our dogs are our constant companions and bring us so much joy, we should always do our best to eliminate harmful household toxins for animals. Choosing organic, eco-conscious household cleaners, training our dogs to keep out of the garbage, and being mindful of our furniture choices are all key ways to ensure that our pets live long, healthy lives.

Another Resource

Unlike other guides, this one offers our readers the chance to click different rooms and areas your home. Each new click provides you with a view of safety concerns that are specific to that room. If you are a new pet owner, you will also find a checklist of essential supplies you will need.  http://www.adtsecurity.com/resources/pet-safety-guide/

Please check out these comprehensive guide.