M&S Pet Insurance

Leaving your dog home alone (or other pet) can have its risks so it's important to make your home as safe as possible to prevent your pet from getting into any danger. You should try to keep all cabinets and cupboards closed so your pet can't get in and find anything harmful it could eat or choke on. If there are any open wires or electrical cords your pet can chew on, keep them firmly stored away or covered.

It's also important to ensure your house is secure, whether that's through putting up sturdy fencing in the garden, or being mindful of open windows, as when left alone, your pet may try to escape and find you.

There are plenty of items around the house which can be harmful if dogs get hold of them. Things to look out for include:

• Antifreeze
• Battery acid
• Bleach
• Fertilizer
• Herbicides
• Generic cleaning equipment
• Medicines

We recommend keeping these items safe in closed cupboards. If they are at dog height, it may be worth locking them to be sure they can't accidentally be opened by a waggy tail.

Pets love exploring gardens, so it's crucial to make sure there is nothing growing in your garden that could be poisonous if your pet sniffs it out and ingests it. In your garden, you should look out for and remove:

• Lilies
• Poinsettias
• Sago Palms
• Daffodils

There are more plants you need to be careful of out there, and if your pet does find and eat anything that you're unsure of, you should call a veterinary helpline to speak to a qualified veterinary nurse for guidance on the next steps you should follow.