Here’s how we can make sure our pets are safe in our homes and that we don’t accidentally harm them.
• Never medicate pets yourself. Did you know that our bodies work very differently compared to those of animals? This means that what’s safe for us could be deadly for them! For example, even a quarter of a tablet of Crocin (or Paracetamol) can kill a cat or dog, as some human medicines are poisonous for them. If your pet is ill, always take him or her to a veterinary doctor for guidance.
And while buying medicines prescribed by the veterinarian, make sure that your pharmacist does not substitute the medication for another, if the prescribed medicine is not available. Just try another pharmacy or call the vet to ask if there are safe substitutes. Check dosages carefully and ensure that tablets and medicines in your house are kept in a place that pets cannot reach.
• Food safety— Dogs must never be given chocolate, raisins, onions, garlic or spicy food. Similarly, salty food is bad for cats. The list of unsafe foods is long, so as a general rule, feed them only what your vet has allowed.
• Say a big no to choke collars. Choke collars are those that tighten when pulled — they are painful, and are harmful to dogs as they can strangle, injure or cause blindness. Always use positive and kind methods to train dogs. If you have a boisterous dog, use a harness with a regular collar instead.
• Plants and other household items. Cats can be poisoned by croton leaves and certain other plants. Log on to goo.gl/XqQDN and check out the list to see the list of plants to avoid if you have a cat. Never allow pet access to cleaning liquids, and avoid using toxic rodent repellents (such as rat poison) as these are unsafe for our pets as well. If you notice symptoms of poisoning such as vomiting, frothing at the mouth, fainting or seizures, rush your furry friend to a doctor immediately.
