Household Pet Hazards

Though the bottle may say that it is safe and non-toxic, it may not be referring to use by your pet. It’s not uncommon for pet owners to use items found in their homes as cost saving treatments or grooming aids for their animals. This frugal behavior can have toxic side effects.

Australian tea tree oil is found in many cosmetics. It has been touted to aid in control of teenage acne to dry skin. Cat owners who had used a concentrated formula for flea control reported several cases of poisoning. The oil was applied full strength to the cats’ skin. Some of the affected animals became wobbly on their feet, had a drop in their body temperature, one became comatose and one died.

Whenever you want to economize and use something that is not specifically labeled for use on your pet, first call your veterinarian.

Other commonly used household products that can cause toxic side effects when used on or around pets include cleaners, dishwashing detergents, laundry soaps and spray cleaners. Some pets, such as cats, are more sensitive to certain cleaning agents. The active ingredients found in some of the pine cleaners, can be very poisonous to cats and not dogs. Even stepping on a floor that has been cleaned with one of these products and licked off their paws can cause medical problems for these unfortunate felines.

Not all household cleaners will cause death but they can irritate your pet’s mouth, skin or intestinal tract. Whenever you want to economize and use something that is not specifically labeled for use on your pet, first call your veterinarian. It is better to check first rather than accidentally injure your pet. When in doubt, call your vet because it is “Your Pet…Health Matters.”