While we take great care in ensuring we are providing our pets a safe environment, the hidden dangers of most household chemicals are a much less obvious threat to our pet’s health. Cats and dogs are generally more susceptible to exposure from chemicals around the home due to the fact that they have closer contact with carpets and lawns. The dangers are also increased for pets due to their lack of awareness of toxic substances, combined with their natural curiosity.
This can be a tricky area for most pet owners, as managing fleas is a vital part in maintaining your pet’s sanity! Most commercial flea treatments contain tetrachlorvinphos and propoxur, which is potentially harmful to our pets due to the levels used in today’s flea collars. Both these chemicals are listed as known carcinogens for humans.
Dogs and cats are highly susceptible to the chemicals used on your lawn as by nature, they can be found lying on the grass or even eating it. Commercial fertilisers contain a mix of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in concentrations potent enough to cause gastrointestinal upset to your pet, which can result in diarrhoea and vomiting.
Garden poisons are a no brainer, but it's the colourful or tasty ones that are worth keeping an eye on. Snail baits are pretty - and contain metaldehyde are toxic and can even be lethal to dogs if they are ingested. Fly bait can be sweet and often contain methomyl or carbofuran which can cause seizures and respiratory arrest in your pet.
Household cleaning products that contain bleach, ammonia, chlorine, or glycol ethers can put your pet at great risk for cancer, anemia, liver and kidney damage. While your pet may not be directly ingesting these chemicals, vapors left behind can continue to harm your pets.
Formalydehde can be found in most recently purchased home furniture, new fabrics and household cleaners. Pets can inhale this formalydehyde purely by being in the same room as the offending product, or ingest it by chewing items that contain the chemical.. Studies have shown that formaldehyde has been linked to causing cancer in animals. Knowing what products to avoid is the first step in providing your pet a safe and healthy environment. To find out how flea and tick treatments can harm children see: Children are Exposed to Toxic Chemicals From Some Flea Control.