Apartment Safety: Protect Your Pet from Common Apartment Dangers

Apartment safety is important to think about for yourself as a tenant, but don’t forget about your pets. There can be many hidden hazards in your apartment that could cause serious injury or death to them. Here are some of the most common apartment dangers for pets.

Poisons

Poisoning is by far the most common risk for pets. Any and all chemicals agents that are stored in your apartment can potentially poison a pet. These include lawn fertilizers, antifreeze and other auto care products, cleaning supplies and even cold medicines and other human medications. Keep all chemical products stored in appropriate containers, and make sure to clean up spills immediately. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has a poison control hotline for pets (888-426-4435), in case they accidentally ingest something.

Foods

Many of the foods that humans consume can actually be harmful to pets. Chocolate is the biggest danger. It can poison dogs, cats and ferrets. Bones from leftover meals can be a choking hazard to dogs and cats. Many types of fruits and vegetables can make a pet sick if he eats them, such as onions, beans, coffee grounds, tomatoes and several kinds of nuts. Make sure to keep all these danger foods out of your pet’s reach.

Aerosol Spray

Any product that comes in an aerosol spray form can be poisonous to birds. This includes hair spray and insect repellant. Self-cleaning ovens are a hidden danger for birds. They emit fumes that can be toxic to birds if inhaled.

House Plants

There are a number of house plants you’ll want to avoid if you have a pet in your apartment. Among these are geraniums and lilies, along with azalias, philodendrons and mistletoe. Do some research before purchasing a house plant to make sure it’s not a potential poison for your pets.

Cats are especially drawn to house plants, because the soil the plants are in is like a natural kitty litter box to them. Plant soil can contain cocoa mulch, which is toxic to house cats. The soil could also contain fertilizers or other hazards. If you feel that house plants are a necessity, make sure they’re hanging plants that your pet can’t reach, and store all fertilizers and plant chemicals away safely.

Household Toys

The same rules that apply with your own children apply to pets when it comes to toys. If a toy has small parts that come off easily, it can present a choking hazard to your pet. Cats enjoy playing with string and yarn, but they can also swallow these at times, which can lead to intestinal problems.

Chew Toys

Chew toys for dogs, which are made from rawhide, are sometimes a cause of Salmonella poisoning. This can make pets sick, as well as humans who pick up the chew toys. They can also cause a choking hazard, so make sure to supervize your dog if you give one to him.

Don’t neglect apartment safety when it comes to your pets. You wouldn’t want a mishap to injure or sicken your companion, so take the time to research common household products and plants before exposing your pets to them.