Kittens and puppies are naturally inquisitive, which can often
lead to serious injury. Here are some tips on how you can make
your house safer for the new arrival.
Shocking-Young animals love to chew when they are teething.
Keep electrical wires out of reach, securely covered or sprayed
with pet-repellent spray.
 They’d
die for some chocolate…Chocolate can be dangerous. It contains
theobromine, a powerful stimulant that is toxic to pets. Sweets,
cakes and cookies can also upset a young animal’s GI tract
and lead to diarrhea and vomiting, which can be serious. Never
give turkey, chicken or rib bones as a treat. They can splinter
and cause serious injury.
Common household killers…Cleaning agents, bleach, ammonia,
disinfectants, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, paint, gasoline
and rat poison. Keep them locked up. CHECK
THE ANTIFREEZE…Pets are attracted to the odor and
sweet taste of antifreeze. Store it high and tightly sealed,
wiping up any spills on the garage floor. Window-washing solution
also contains antifreeze. Remember, engine warmth promotes cat
naps, so HONK YOUR HORN to wake
pets who may be under the hood.
Killer house plants… Poisonous plants include lilies, philodendron,
dieffenbachia, elephant ear, eucalyptus, spider plants, azalea,
ivy, amaryllis, pyracantha, oleander, boxwood, Jerusalem Cherry
and plant bulbs, holly and mistletoe. Keep off the grass…If
you treat your lawn with chemicals, keep pets away. Read and
follow label directions carefully.
It fit yesterday…Kittens and puppies grow rapidly. Collars
and harnesses can be rapidly outgrown, leading to serious wounds.
Take care of personal care items and medications…Cosmetics,
shampoos, skin creams, hair-perm solutions, depilatories, suntan
lotions, sleeping pills, antihistamines, aspirin and acetaminophen
can be lethal to pets. Don’t leave plastic bags out. Inquisitive
young animals, especially kittens can suffocate in a short time..
The heat is on…Watch out for hot irons, coffee pots and
space heaters. Kittens and puppies will suddenly be able to
jump to new heights. Always use a fireplace screen. A dip tip…Keep
covers on hot tubs, swimming pools. Kittens and even young puppies
can fall in and not be able to get out. RULE OF THUMB…If
any or all of something will fit in a mouth, it is dangerous:
Watch out for cigarette butts, rubber bands, balloons, sewing
needles, thread, string, ribbons and yes even pantyhose. What
goes in must come out, often via surgery. |
