Animals often instinctively know what is good for them and what is not, but they are curious by nature. Therefore, there are many hidden sources of danger in the household that can be avoided if they are recognised as such. What are the most common dangers for animals in your household?

1. plants.

Poisonous houseplants are probably the greatest danger. Birds, rabbits, guinea pigs and even cats and dogs like to nibble on greenery if they can reach it. However, many plants are highly toxic to animals. The most dangerous houseplants include Diffenbachia, lily and ivy. If you have houseplants, you should find out exactly whether they are harmful to pets or keep them in absolutely inaccessible places.

2. chocolate, sweets and other foods.

Chocolate is very popular with pets, but is highly harmful and can even be fatal. If there are children in the house, they should learn that animals are not allowed to eat chocolate.

Sweets and similar sweets are also harmful to pets. The extremely high sugar content leads to stomach and intestinal problems. It is even worse if sweets are swallowed together with the candy wrapper, which can injure the digestive organs or even lead to intestinal obstruction.

Other harmful foods for pets are chewing gum, grapes, sultanas, avocado, onions, garlic, salt, raw yeast and fatty foods.

3. small parts.

As with small children, small parts can easily be swallowed and cause internal injuries. Particular care must be taken with children's toys and decorative materials such as potpourri and Christmas or Easter decorations. But other objects can also pose unexpected dangers, such as small batteries, buttons, hairpins, rubber bands or cotton buds. Of course, cigarettes and cigarette butts should never be left out in the open, as nicotine is deadly for pets.

4. drinks.

Coffee, tea and alcohol are absolutely taboo for pets. They can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, coordination problems, depression, breathing difficulties and problems with the nervous system. 

Cow's milk is also not a suitable drink for most pets. 

5. cleaning agents.

As a general rule, all chemical cleaning products should be kept completely out of the reach of children and pets. Even closed containers must not be accessible, as animals can lick tiny liquid residues from the packaging. For animals that also run around outside or in the garage, you must also ensure that antifreeze, road salt, car oil or pesticides are well sealed in a cupboard.