As summer winds down and we turn our focus to the start of the school year, it’s easy for our pets to feel a bit out of the loop. Between class schedules, school supply lists, registration, and the myriad of other must-do tasks before that first bell rings, our focus is stretched thin.
Unfortunately, this could pose a danger to our pets. Some of the new school supplies you buy for your children can put your pets at risk, for example. And certain foods and snacks left behind can be toxic to pets. Pay attention to these hidden pet hazards in your child’s backpack to avoid any issues:
Hazardous Medications
If your child takes any medication to school (even aspirin or an antihistamine), chances are you keep at least a small supply in their backpack to override forgetfulness. While this makes it easy for your child to get to the medication, it also makes it easy for an animal to ingest it. Even small amounts of human medicines can bring about serious health issues for animals. In fact, ingestion can lead to:
- Kidney damage
- Liver damage
- Seizures
- Loss of coordination
- Death
If you keep any kind of medication in your child’s backpack, ensure that the bag is always securely stored in an area where your pets cannot access it.
Food Dangers
A bag of nuts can be a good, healthy snack for children spending long hours inside a classroom. A forgotten bag of nuts left in a backpack near a curious pet without supervision could lead to serious health complications, though. Use caution when storing food in a backpack. Items like grapes, chocolate, nuts, onions, and xylitol in products are toxic to pets. Try to get into the habit of cleaning food out of your child’s backpack as soon as he or she returns home from school.
Choking Hazards
Curious dogs and cats sometimes use their mouths to explore the world. While this behavior is harmless most of the time, it can be dangerous with certain types of items. Pen caps, erasers, marker caps, and other small items can create choking hazards for pets. Be cognizant of anything your pet could swallow in your child’s backpack. You may want to consider getting a pencil case or a small bag to safely secure any items that could be swallowed by a pet.
Avoiding Pet Hazards in Your Child’s Backpack
No one wants their pet to ingest something dangerous. With a little bit of care and attention, you can ensure that your child’s backpack does not bring in unnecessary dangers for dogs and cats.
Minimize the risk of pet hazards in your child’s backpack by:
- Securing backpacks safely out of reach of pets. Whether you have a designated hook that’s out of reach for paws or put the bag in a closet, securing it will significantly reduce the risk of an avoidable incident.
- Checking the contents of the bag. Kids can be forgetful and might unknowingly leave something dangerous in a bag (even if you ask if they removed everything). Regularly check the bag to ensure there are no hazards that could hurt your pets.
- Teaching your children what could be dangerous for pets. When your kids know what to look for, they’ll be more careful about what they bring.
- Keeping any medications in the bag stored safely where pets cannot reach.
At Union Lake Veterinary Hospital, we’re committed to helping you create the safest environment for your pets. From regular wellness exams to a library of resources for pet owners, we’re always here for you. Call (248) 363-1508 to schedule an appointment.