Sheltering an Animal’s Perspective
By Gregory M. Simpson
Living with a companion animal means needing to be mindful of safety hazards, in the same way one would "child proof" a home for a young child.
Dangerous items such as pills, including vitamins, diet pills, and aspirin, should be stored where a companion animal cannot access them. In the laundry room, one should secure bleach, fabric softener, detergents, and disinfectants. In the kitchen, oven and drain cleaners should be carefully stored. Close washer, dryer, and dishwasher doors when not in use.
Never let a dog or cat eat any of the following: avocados, chocolate, coffee, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, alcohol, salt, fatty foods, candy, tea leaves, or raw yeast dough.
Make a list of household items that could be harmful, keeping in mind animal related products such as flea and tick applications. Anything not ordinarily ingested by animals could be harmful, such as mothballs, tobacco products, and liquid potpourri.
Plants are another category of potential hazards. Secure a list of poisonous plants from the internet or a local poison control center. Ensure that companion animals cannot reach them, or better still, give them away. There are literally dozens of plants on these lists.
Some animals will eat anything small enough to fit inside the mouth. So beware of items like bread twist ties, buttons, coins, paper clips, plastic wrap, rubber bands, jewelry, hairpins, cotton swabs, string, yarns, and dental floss.
Watch for potential trouble spots in the home. Small animals can drown in full bathtubs or sinks. As a child, I once had a companion parakeet almost drown from falling into a glass of water! An animal may be electrocuted by biting or chewing an electrical cord, or strangle from entanglement in cords. Companion animals may get sick from eating fireplace ashes. Close toilet lids as toilet water is not healthy for animals to drink. Make sure all windows have screens.
Outside the home are multiple potential dangers, including antifreeze, de-icing salts, gasoline, oil, pesticides, compost algae, swimming pools, and hot tubs. Animals can also be hurt or strangled if stuck in fences, gates, or deck lattice. In addition, there are traffic and wild animals with which to contend. Even sun exposure is a consideration. Skin cancer is the second most common cancer in cats and the sun plays a large role. A 2001 Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) study found that two out of three veterinarians recommend keeping cats indoors, to avoid dangers ranging from vehicles to disease.
Be especially mindful around holidays. Watch flowers and candy on Valentine’s Day, fake grass, small toys and plastic items at Easter, and fireworks on the Fourth of July. Halloween means candles and candy, while Thanksgiving brings bones and hot containers. Christmas plays host to hazards such as toxic plants (e.g., holly, lilies, and mistletoe), ribbons, spun glass, Christmas tree water, decoration hooks, Styrofoam, tinsel and ornaments. Of course, New Year’s brings balloons and confetti.
Have fun, but exercise due caution. If your companion animal is ever exposed to a poisonous substance, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control can help at 1-888-426-4435. Consult with your veterinarian for follow-up care. Enjoy – but be mindful of the environment you create for your companion animal.
For the animals, Gregory M. Simpson
Gregory Simpson’s animal welfare involvement spans over 25 years, having provided leadership for several Connecticut organizations, as well as having served as state advisor to the national Friends of Animals. Currently a Board member of Protectors of Animals, Inc., he was chosen by CAT FANCY magazine as one of the ultimate cat lovers in the U.S. He is also a member of the Cat Writers’ Association.
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