We are often asked for tips to pet proof your home.  Here is some of that information we would like to share.

Household cleaners, furniture polishes, disinfectants, insecticides, antifreeze, fertilizers, perfumes, and make-up can be dangerous to dogs.  Make sure cupboard and storage areas (garage) containing these items are secure. A bored or determined dog can go ‘where they’ve never gone before.’

According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, food items, such as chocolate, onions, raisins, grapes, avocados, and anything with mold on it can cause serious illness, even death.

Chicken bones can shatter and choke a dog or cat.  Remove candy or nuts from coffee tables or locations where a pet can reach it. Also, Poinsettia plants and Lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested.

Ingestion of uncooked bread dough can be life threatening.  The animal’s body heat will cause the dough to rise in the stomach.

Throw out plastic bags, aluminum foil, and food wrappers.  If swallowed, they can cause damage to a pet’s digestive tract or in some cases, cause shock and death.

Toys with small, removable parts, string, yarn, rubber bands, and dental floss can pose a choking hazard to animals.

See that medications are locked up.  The sound of pills rattling in a plastic bottle may entice the pet to chew the bottle open.  Most human medications, including aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen are poisonous to animals. Be careful to discard any pills dropped on the floor.