Safety Reminder from Your Pet Sitter at MHK Pet Sitter

As a professional pet sitter, I treat every pet like family—and keeping them safe is always my top priority. That’s why I want to share some important information from the ASPCA’s 2024 Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) Report.

Each year, the ASPCA releases a list of the most common toxins that lead to emergency vet visits. The surprising part? Most of them are everyday items many of us have in our homes.

This blog post is here to help you identify these common dangers—and give you quick tips to protect your pets.

🚫 Top Toxins for Pets in 2024

1. Human Medications

Human medications remain the #1 cause of pet poisoning. These include:

• Ibuprofen (Advil)
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Antidepressants
• Heart and blood pressure medications

🛑 Common scenario: A pill is dropped on the floor or left on a nightstand.

💡 Pet Safety Tip: Keep all medications in closed cabinets and store bags or backpacks out of reach.

2. Food Products

Many popular human foods can be dangerous—even deadly—to pets.
Watch out for:

• Grapes & raisins (kidney failure in dogs)
• Onions & garlic (damages red blood cells)
• Chocolate
• Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum, candy, and some peanut butters)

🛑 Common scenario: A dog raids the pantry or someone shares a snack without realizing the danger.

💡 Pet Safety Tip: Store food securely, and avoid feeding table scraps without checking for toxicity.

3. Household Cleaners

Cleaning products like bleach, toilet bowl tablets, and laundry pods can harm pets if ingested or even touched.

🛑 Common scenario: A pet walks across a just-mopped floor and licks their paws.

💡 Pet Safety Tip: Use pet-safe cleaners when possible and allow surfaces to dry before allowing access.

4. Indoor and Outdoor Plants

Many plants are beautiful—but toxic to pets. The biggest offenders include:

• Lilies (especially deadly to cats)

• Sago palms
• Tulips and hyacinth bulbs

🛑 Common scenario: A cat chews on a plant leaf out of curiosity.

💡 Pet Safety Tip: Use the ASPCA’s Toxic Plant List to check your plants.

5. Veterinary Medications

Even pet medications can become toxic if consumed in the wrong quantity or by the wrong pet.

🛑 Common scenario: A dog chews into a container of flavored meds that smells like a treat.

💡 Pet Safety Tip: Store pet medications just as securely as human ones.

📞 What To Do If You Suspect Poisoning

If your pet has ingested something potentially toxic, don’t wait. Act fast.

Here’s what to do:

• Call your veterinarian immediately

• Or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435
  (Available 24/7 – a consultation fee may apply)

Try to have the product label or a photo of the item on hand, and estimate how much was ingested if possible.

🐾 How MHK Pet Sitter Helps Keep Pets Safe

When you book with MHK Pet Sitter, you’re getting more than a walk or a feeding—you’re getting a professional who’s trained to spot and avoid potential hazards in your home.  We strive to keep all Manhattan, Kansas Pets (#MHKPETS) happy and healthy.

Whether it’s checking for unsafe foods left out, securing trash cans, or making sure cleaning supplies are stored properly, your pet’s safety is always my top concern.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Accidents can happen to even the most loving pet owners. But with awareness, prevention, and quick action, we can protect our pets from common household dangers.

If you have any questions about pet-proofing your home—or just want a second set of eyes during my next visit—I’m happy to help!

Thank you for trusting MHK Pet Sitter with your beloved pets.
Stay safe and give your furry friends a cuddle from me! 🐶🐱

Jennifer
Your Pet’s Best Friend at MHK Pet Sitter