Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs Experts have highlighted five common household items that can be poisonous to your beloved pets – and how you can protect your furry friends going forwardScott Miller has issued a warning about harmful items to animals (Image: Will Ireland / SWNS)National Pet Poison Prevention Week is currently underway, running from March 16th to 22nd. In a bid to raise awareness, premium dog food brand Barking Heads is spotlighting everyday household items and foods that, while safe for humans, can be deadly to pets.As Spring draws near and our pets begin to spend more time outside, it’s the ideal opportunity to reassess potential dangers in your home and garden to ensure the safety of your four-legged family members.Being aware of what could harm your pets allows you to take simple precautions to protect them from accidental poisoning. Here, resident vet Dr Scott Miller outlines everyday items that could be toxic to your animals.READ MORE: Brits’ top priorities when choosing a pet dog – from intelligence to safety around kidsScott Miller has shared his expertise about protecting your pets (Image: Will Ireland / SWNS)1. PlantsNumerous plants, both indoor and outdoor, are highly poisonous to pets. Usual suspects include lilies, daffodils, and tulips. These plants can trigger severe gastrointestinal problems, lethargy, and even organ failure if consumed. Be conscious of the plants you have in your home and garden, and make sure they’re pet-friendly, like sunflowers, marigolds and pansies.2. Garden chemicalsTypical garden chemicals such as fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides can be extremely harmful to dogs. These substances, frequently used in spring and summer for lawn maintenance and gardening, can cause serious poisoning if eaten or absorbed through the skin. Always keep these products securely stored away from your pet’s reach.Harsh chemicals are dangerous to pets and children (Image: Getty)3. Household cleaners and DIY productsWith spring ushering in the DIY season and numerous bank holidays, it’s important to remember that many common household cleaners, paints, and DIY products contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to pets. Substances like bleach, ammonia, and oven cleaners can cause severe irritation, poisoning, or even respiratory distress if your dog comes into contact with them or ingests them. It’s crucial to keep these items out of reach of pets.4. Pesticides and rodenticidesThe arrival of warmer weather can also bring unwanted wildlife, but products used to kill insects or rodents, such as rat poison and insecticides, can be deadly if ingested by pets. Even small amounts can be lethal, as pets are much smaller than the pests these products target, and the chemicals can cause severe symptoms like vomiting, seizures or internal bleeding.Pets may be attracted to the smell or taste of these products, leading to accidental ingestion, so immediate veterinary treatment is vital if ingestion is suspected. Pet owners should use pesticides and rodenticides carefully, keeping these products in areas inaccessible to pets, and ensuring pets are kept out of treated areas until it is safe to re-enter.5. Vitamin DVitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a form of Vitamin D that can be harmful to pets, particularly dogs and cats. While Vitamin D is crucial for pets in small quantities, excessive intake, often from consuming rodenticides, certain human medications, or large amounts of vitamin supplements, can lead to toxicity.This can result in symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite and even kidney failure. Pet owners are advised to keep supplements, rodenticides, and any products containing Vitamin D3 out of pets’ reach, and avoid human medications that may contain the vitamin.Despite its potential toxicity in large doses, Vitamin D remains essential for a dog’s overall health and well-being, playing a key role in maintaining proper bone health, immune function, and more. That’s why Barking Heads meticulously formulates its products with precise, safe levels of Vitamin D that dogs need to support a balanced and complete diet, ensuring their nutritional needs are met without any risk.Scott has offered advice on how to make your home safe for pets and recognise signs of poisoning, stating: “It’s vital for pet owners to take steps to prevent exposure to toxic substances. Household items like cleaners, medications, and chemicals should always be stored in places that are completely out of reach of pets.”Additionally, when gardening, be mindful of toxic plants and chemicals that your dog could come into contact with. Symptoms of poisoning from household items can manifest as vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and a sudden change in behaviour. If you believe your dog has consumed something harmful, it’s crucial to get in touch with your vet straight away. The earlier the treatment, the higher the likelihood of recovery.”READ MORE: Shoppers ‘skip Botox sessions’ thanks to anti-ageing serum that’s ‘the best’ for reducing wrinkles
