Your furry friend will likely do almost anything to ensure you’re happy and loved. So, it’s only fitting that you do what’s right for your pup. You need to keep your pet safe. In addition to keeping them on a leash in public and protecting them from predators, you also need to save them from the lesser known threats, from airborne dust and allergens to contaminated water, which are also dangerous for humans. These threats aren’t visible to the naked eye, so caution is essential.
This guide will showcase some of the threats that may exist in your household so you can take steps to protect yourself and your pet.
Air Quality Is A Factor For Pets And Humans
Clean air is essential for everyone and their pets, so it’s essential to be concerned about the air wherever you are, including in your house. Bad air can come from many sources, from a contaminated ventilation system to excess moisture behind walls or an owner who smokes in the house. Poor air quality is bad for humans because it can make you sick, cause irritation to your nose, throat, and lungs, or worsen existing conditions like asthma.
Like humans, many dogs are allergic to various allergens that must be prevented. Allergies can include mold, dust mites, the skin cells of other pets, and common substances like milk. You can tell your dog may have allergies if they’re itchy, experience eye discharge, or there’s facial swelling. Luckily, there are ways to reduce the potential for allergies. Bathe your dog regularly and wipe their paws after going outside. Some over-the-counter remedies, like Benadryl, are also safe for dogs, but do your research and ask a vet before giving them to your dog. If your pet has an extreme reaction, bring them in for urgent veterinary care.
Tactics For Improving Air Quality
You can implement many pollution precautions in your home to protect your pet and your own health. Even if you clean regularly, dust particles can exist in the air. Dust can harm humans and pets because it irritates the skin, eyes, and throat. Over time, dust can also get into the lungs and cause serious health issues. Consider a HEPA filter that interfaces with your HVAC system to capture the smallest dust particles.
There’s also the concern of pet dander, an overarching term for the bits of skin and saliva that come off your dog over time. While it’s not overly dangerous for the pet, dander can lead to irritation in humans and aggravate existing allergies. A media filter will clean the air and capture the dander so everyone in the home can breathe more easily.
Finally, consider adding a dehumidifier to your home. There are many options, and you’ll want to choose one that matches the square footage of your property. In addition to making your home much more comfortable during the hottest months, a dehumidifier will eliminate most of the humidity, which is good because excessive humidity can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can be dangerous for pets and humans if it’s breathed in over time.
Caution With Chemicals
Look closely at the chemicals in your home because you may not realize their ingredients or how hazardous they can be for you and your pets. While consuming them is certainly dangerous, so can being in their vicinity.
Some of the most unassuming cleaning products can be dangerous, including many toilet bowl cleaners that contain hydrochloric acid that can negatively affect the skin. Also, cetrimonium chloride can irritate the eyes. Imagine how close your dog’s head could be to the toilet, and you can see the concern.
Chemicals often found in the garage or yard can also be hazardous, like fertilizer. Many fertilizers contain chemicals that have been linked to cancer and other ailments over time. Pets who walk on fertilizer may feel pain and irritation on their feet and skin. As a note, if you’re using fertilizer for indoor plants, you must be careful with what you’re doing. Some plants seem innocent but can be harmful to your pets. Examples include:
- Chrysanthemum – Can result in vomiting
- Hydrangea – Can cause lethargy and diarrhea
- Ivy – Can lead to excessive drooling and difficulty breathing
- Fruit Trees – Those with fruit with pits can contain toxins.
The solution is to research plants before you put them in your home. As for the harmful chemicals, use them properly and keep them out of reach. This is especially true for fluids like antifreeze. The ethylene glycol in it has a sweet taste that can attract dogs. However, dogs that lick the fluids could experience renal failure or death.
Unseen Dangers In The Water
Finally, you and your dog can be affected by what you put in your body, including the water you drink. In addition to making you nauseous, poor water quality can affect humans and pets in many unexpected ways. Swimming in or spending time in contaminated water, especially in lakes and ponds, can irritate the skin and cause discoloration and discomfort. If unseen nitrates get into your drinking water at home, it can lead to headaches. Other toxins can lead to cognitive impairment and reproductive issues over time.
You can both get sick if you and your pet drink or use the same water. On top of that, if you get a stomach virus, you can pass it on to your pet, and vice versa. The signs that your dog may have a stomach virus are similar to those of humans. They can include vomiting, diarrhea, and a low-grade fever. You can often treat your dog with antibiotics, some of which you may be able to obtain without a prescription.
There are ways that you can ensure clean drinking water for all. Install a reverse osmosis filter system in your sink to remove the impurities. Your pet may also benefit from a fountain drinking bowl that will constantly recycle and keep the water moving to prevent harmful microorganisms from forming.
Conclusion
Caring for yourself and your pet means being aware of all threats, both seen and unseen. Clean your house, install the proper filters, and keep dangerous substances out of reach, and you and your furry friend can be happy and healthy.
Photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-kissing-the-dog-nlpq_UcUuKw
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