Tips and Tricks for Senior Pet Owners: How to Identify and Remove Poisonous Household Items
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Tips and Tricks for Senior Pet Owners: How to Identify and Remove Poisonous Household Items

As a senior pet owner, you know that keeping your furry friends safe and healthy is a top priority. Unfortunately, common household items can often pose hidden dangers to your pets. Here are a few valuable tips and tricks for identifying and removing poisonous household items, so your pet can enjoy a safe and comfortable home environment.

Identifying Common Household Poisons

There's a wide variety of everyday items in your home that can be hazardous to your pets. Some of the most common poisonous substances include cleaning products, houseplants, medications, cosmetics, and personal care items. 

Cleaning Products

Cleaning products are often found under sinks or in other areas that pets can access. Commonly hazardous ones include bleach, window cleaners, detergents, and furniture polishes. Ingestion or contact with these products can put them at risk for anemia, kidney and liver damage, and anemia, among other more serious illnesses.

To protect your pet from hazardous cleaning products, store them in secure, high locations where your pet can't reach them. Additionally, look for pet-friendly cleaning products that are designed with greater safety in mind.

Houseplants

Many popular houseplants, like lilies, dieffenbachia, and philodendron, can be poisonous to pets if ingested. Additionally, some plants, like Easter lilies, can be especially toxic to cats. Symptoms of poisoning can range from mild irritation to serious health conditions, and it is important to be aware of toxic plants in your home and keep them out of pets' reach.

Replacing potentially toxic plants with pet-safe alternatives is one way to reduce the risk to your pet. Additionally, if you choose to keep plants in your home, keep them out of reach by hanging them or placing them on high shelves.

Medications

Prescription and over-the-counter medications can be a major health risk for pets if ingested. Commonly hazardous medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, and heart medications. Additionally, many vitamins and dietary supplements, such as iron and multivitamins, can be toxic to pets.

To reduce the risk of your pet ingesting dangerous medications, be sure to store them in locked cabinets or containers. Additionally, avoid dropping pills on the floor and always be vigilant about taking medications in areas where your pet cannot access them.

Cosmetics and Personal Care Items

Cosmetics and other personal care items can cause severe health complications if ingested by pets. Hazardous items include nail polish removers, hair products, and perfumes.

To reduce the risk of hazardous cosmetics or personal care items, be sure to store them securely in closed cabinets or drawers. Additionally, use caution when applying these items and promptly clean up any spills.

Educating Yourself and Staying Informed

To ensure the safety of your pet, it is important to stay educated on the risks of common household items. Research specific dangers for your pet's species and breed, and consult your veterinarian for guidance and recommendations.

Emergency Preparedness

In the event of an emergency, it is important to know how to recognize signs of poisoning in pets. Keep contact information for your veterinarian and nearby emergency vet clinics readily available. You can also create a pet first aid kit, including items to address potential poisoning incidents and ensure that it is easily accessible in the event of an emergency.

Senior pet owners understand the importance of keeping their furry friends safe and healthy. At Senior Helpers, we hope that you can implement these tips and tricks to ensure a safer home environment for your pets! 

For more information about in-home senior care services around Adrian, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Jackson, Dexter, and Hillsdale, contact Senior Helpers Ann Arbor today!