A pet expert has weighed in on the popular household item that could actually be poisonous for dogs. Dr Ellie Grant, a Manchester-based veterinary specialist, explained to My Home Improvements that many people think they have pet-proofed their homes, but there are everyday items that can be harmful to dogs, even though they seem completely innocent. One of them is a popular product that many of us have in our homes to make various rooms smell appealing.
“A lot of people think they’ve pet-proofed their homes, but they often miss the items that can do the most damage,” Dr Grant said. “We see animals every week that have been poisoned, choked, or made very ill because of something they had access to indoors.” One of the biggest dangers to pets in your home is humidifiers and essential oils. These are popular products for households in the UK, and they can be bought for cheap in pound shops across the country.
While many consider them a great way to make their homes smell nicer, these humidifiers and essential oils can be harmful to our dogs. Essential oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, or citrus oils can be toxic to pets.
When pets inhale the vapour produced by these humidifiers and diffusers, it can cause breathing issues, drooling, vomiting or seizures. Dr Grant says it is best to avoid using these in a home that has pets.
She revealed: “We’ve had several cases where cats or dogs showed signs of poisoning just from being near a diffuser using scented oils. People assume that if it’s safe for them, it’s safe for pets. That’s not always true.”
If you do decide to use essential oils in your home, then make sure that there is a door open where a pet can freely leave the room if they choose so. It is also important to ventilate the area.
Dr Grant pointed out two other things that can be harmful to dogs in our homes. Common houseplants, such as lilies, sago palms, aloe vera, ivy, and even tulips, can cause problems for dogs, including vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney failure. When it comes to cats, these plants can also cause heart problems.
She also warned that many children’s toys pose a threat to our animals, with slime being a particular item of concern.