Five everyday household items could be putting pets in danger - from a “lucky” penny on the floor to a soothing-smelling diffuser on the counter.
Some hazards can trigger choking, poisoning, or sudden illness, and a few can be deadly for birds.
Pet safety experts warn that common items left within paw’s reach can quickly turn into an emergency.
Here are five household risks that can secretly harm pets, and what to do to prevent it.
Pennies
Loose coins can be a choking hazard for curious pets who mouth anything they find. And pennies minted after 1983 contain zinc, a heavy metal that can be absorbed and cause blood disorders.
The fix is simple - pick up coins fast and store them in a jar, bank, or another safe place out of reach.
Toilet water
It may look harmless when a dog sneaks a sip, but germs and bacteria can linger even after a flush.
A freshly cleaned toilet can also be risky because residual chemicals from cleaning products may remain in the bowl.
Pet parents are urged to keep the lid down and offer clean water in a safe spot.
Dr Renee Schmid, a senior veterinary toxicologist and director of veterinary medicine at the Pet Poison Helpline, says toilet drinking is usually not life-threatening, but it’s still not a good habit.
She warns that certain bacteria could trigger vomiting or diarrhoea.
She also notes medications or vitamins can pass from human waste into the bowl, even if the amounts are low and diluted.
Essential oil
Essential oil diffusers are another hidden threat.
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts, and some are more harmful to pets than others.
Ingestion or skin exposure can cause serious issues, especially when oils are in their concentrated form.
Pets who walk through oil, get it on their coat, or have it applied directly can develop health concerns.
Symptoms listed by experts include unsteadiness on the feet, depression, and low body temperature in severe cases.
If a pet ingests concentrated essential oils, vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression may follow.
Some oils may be more dangerous than others, depending on concentration and what the product is mixed with.
Concentrated tea tree oil (melaleuca oil) is flagged as especially risky - with issues reported after only seven or eight drops.
Because formulation and quality can vary, experts say it’s safest to avoid applying oils directly to pets and keep bottles out of reach.
According to APCC guidance included in the safety advice, using an oil diffuser for a short time in a secured area that pets can’t access is not likely to be an issue.
But if a pet has a history of breathing problems, experts say it may be best to avoid diffusers altogether.
Cleaning products
Experts urge pet owners to treat cleaners and chemicals as a top-tier hazard, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
The guidance is to store medications, cleaners, chemicals, and laundry supplies on high shelves or behind childproof latches.
They also recommend keeping trash cans covered or inside a latched cabinet to stop pets from chewing through containers.
Cookware
Bird owners are warned about a separate, high-risk household danger - nonstick cookware and appliances with nonstick coatings. Nonstick coatings can contain a polymer called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
When heated, PTFE can release colourless, odourless fumes that can kill pet birds if inhaled.
(Article source: The Sun)