Yep you read that right, backpacks! Not just any backpack, your child’s backpack to be specific. With the school year now in full swing, here is some helpful information you and your kids need to know. Did you know many things found in your child’s backpack can be potentially very dangerous for your pets? For pets, a school bag thrown on the floor can be absolutely irresistible to investigate. This is why the ASPCA(American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) encourages pet owners to designate an out-of-reach area in your home where your pets can’t get to the bags. They suggest a wall hook your pets can’t reach, or a closet behind a closed door.
If unable to get the bag out of sight/reach here are some things to avoid,
- Sugar-free gum containing the sweetener xylitol
- Homemade slime
- Over-the-counter and prescription medications
- “leftovers” in the lunchbox, especially toxic, or dangerous foods for our pets including, Avocado, chocolate, caffeine, citrus items, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, dairy products (can cause gastro intestinal upset), garlic,and onions to name a few.
Follow these tips to help keep your pets safe and enjoy a safe and happy school year!
Melissa Topham RVT
Operations Manager Swift Current SPCA
