Pet Suffocation Prevention: Everyday Hazards Every Pet Owner Should Know

Common Suffocation Hazards in the Home

Plastic Bags and Food Packaging

Snack bags, pet food bags, garbage bags, and other flexible packaging can become tightly sealed around a pet’s face. As the animal breathes, the bag may contract and make it increasingly difficult to pull away.

Always cut open or destroy empty bags before throwing them away. Store food and treats in sealed containers, and use garbage cans with secure lids.

Small Toys and Household Objects

Small toys, balls, pieces of plastic, children’s toys, and other objects may become lodged in a pet’s throat. Even an object that seems too large to swallow can become a choking hazard if it breaks apart.

Choose toys that are appropriately sized for your pet, inspect them regularly for damage, and discard anything that is cracked, torn, or missing pieces.

Cords, Rubber Bands, and String

Electrical cords, window-blind cords, rubber bands, hair ties, yarn, and string can become wrapped around a pet’s neck or body. Cats may be especially attracted to long, thin objects that move.

Keep loose cords secured and out of reach. Never allow pets to play with string, ribbon, or rubber bands without close supervision.

Blankets and Covers

Blankets, bedding, furniture covers, and other heavy fabrics may prevent a small, elderly, or mobility-impaired pet from getting enough air. Pets can also become trapped beneath piles of laundry or cushions.

Make sure your pet can easily move out from under any blanket or cover. Check beds, couches, and piles of clothing before sitting down, moving furniture, or starting household chores.

Create a Safer Environment for Your Pet

A safe home begins with supervision and preparation.

Monitor pets closely when they are playing, eating, or exploring unfamiliar areas. When you cannot supervise them, place them in a secure space that is free from small objects, loose cords, plastic packaging, and other hazards.

Pet-proof your home much as you would childproof it. Look at floors, counters, chairs, tables, trash cans, and low shelves from your pet’s perspective. Anything that can be chewed, swallowed, pulled down, or wrapped around the neck should be moved or secured.

Crates and carriers should provide enough space for your pet to stand, turn around, and rest comfortably. Remove collars, tags, toys, or bedding that could become caught when leaving a pet unattended in a crate.

Situations That Require Extra Care

Inside Cars

Never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle. Cars can become dangerously hot even when the outdoor temperature seems mild, and a distressed pet may become trapped beneath a seat cover, bag, or other object.

Laundry Time

Cats and small dogs may climb into washing machines, dryers, or laundry baskets. Always check inside your washer and dryer before closing the door or starting a cycle.

Traveling

Use a sturdy, properly sized carrier that closes securely and allows adequate ventilation. Inspect carriers before every trip for broken latches, loose panels, or damaged ventilation openings.

What to Do During an Emergency

If your pet appears to be choking, struggling to breathe, or trapped inside an object, act immediately. Remove the obstruction only when you can do so safely and without pushing it farther into the airway.

Contact your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital as soon as possible. Even if your pet appears to recover, a veterinary examination may be necessary to check for airway injuries or other complications.

Consider taking a pet first-aid and CPR course so you are better prepared to respond during an emergency.

Identification Is Part of Pet Safety

Preventing household accidents is essential, but identification also plays an important role in protecting your pet.

Make sure your dog or cat wears a legible ID tag with current contact information. Your pet’s microchip should also be registered and linked to an up-to-date phone number, email address, and home address.

A collar or tag can become separated from a lost pet, but a registered microchip provides a permanent form of identification that veterinary clinics and animal shelters can scan.

Regularly review your pet’s microchip registration and update it whenever you move or change contact information.

A Few Simple Habits Can Save a Life

Pet safety often comes down to small daily decisions:

• Serve treats from a bowl instead of allowing pets to eat from a bag.
• Store food and snacks in secure containers.
• Cut open empty bags before throwing them away.
• Use garbage cans with locking or fitted lids.
• Secure cords, strings, and window-blind loops.
• Check appliances, blankets, furniture, and vehicles before use.
• Keep your pet’s ID tag and microchip registration current.

By removing common hazards and preparing for emergencies, you can create a safer environment for every animal in your home.

We are their voice when lost. Make sure your pet’s identification and microchip registration are always up to date with SmartTag.