Looking after animals is not without its risks, and there are several household items that could be potentially dangerous to our four-legged friends.

So, experts from pet business insurance company, Protectivity Insurance, have revealed some of the most common home hazards for pets that you need to be aware of.

Houseplants and fresh cut flowers

Some plants and fresh cut flowers can be toxic to pets.

Lilies can be harmful to both dogs and cats, so it is important to keep the poisons away from them.

Electrical cables

Pets like to chew, so keep electrical cables well out of the way to prevent playful mouths getting burnt.

Cleaning agents

Many household cleaners contain highly toxic chemicals, these can be dangerous so you must lock them well away from any pets.

Garden dangers

Dangerous compounds are not confined to inside your home, but weedkillers, pesticides, and other garden chemicals pose threats.

The obvious hazards posed by machinery, such as lawnmowers and strimmers, can also be a hazard to your furry friend.

Food

The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) points out that many of the foods, and treats, welcomed by humans can also be poisonous to pets.

Goodies, such as chocolate, nuts, and grapes must be avoided.

Medicines, vitamins, and supplements

Hopefully, you are in the practice of keeping such things locked away in your medicine cabinet but make doubly sure to keep all your own medicines, vitamins, and supplements away from curious pets.

Prescribed pet medication

Other medicines might have been prescribed for the a pet, but make sure to follow the dosage advised by the vet and take care that the animal does attempt to scoff the lot in one go.

Batteries

Take particular care of any loose or discarded batteries.

They can cause nasty internal burns and poisoning to animals because of the heavy metals they contain.

Coins

Don’t let pets swallow coins, they might not only cause internal blockages but certain metals in some coins can also prove toxic.

Plastic bags

Most of us are alert to the dangers of asphyxiation in children from plastic bags and the risks are just as great, or even greater, when it comes to the pets.

Household appliances

Always keep the doors to washing machines and tumble dryers firmly closed.

Before use you should check that no pet has snuck inside before you switch it on.

Paper shredders

A particular danger is posed by shredding machines.

Some can be easily switched on and activated by a curious pet, so, keep the power supply disconnected and use only when curious animals are out of sight.

Toilet seats down!

Pets are incorrigibly curious, and it’s certainly been known for the more curious to diver headfirst into the toilet bowl.

Keeping the lid down will help reduce any further embarrassment.

It might seem an extensive list, but don’t let the home hazards for pets spoil your enthusiasm.

Just a little common sense and consideration for the animals in your care should help you avoid the worst of these pitfalls.