What’s the Weirdest Thing That Can Affect My Pet’s Health?
When you think about your pet’s health, you probably think of food, exercise, or regular vet check-ups. But what if we told you there are things around your house right now that could be doing more harm than you realise? And we’re not just talking about the obvious stuff like chocolate or grapes.
There are plenty of common household hazards for pets that seem harmless — a scented candle, a new plant, even your Netflix volume. But for pets, especially those with sensitive noses or curious habits, these everyday items can cause irritation, stress, or worse.
If you’re keen to make your home as safe and comfy as possible for your pet, here’s a list of the weird (and totally unexpected) things that could be affecting their health without you even noticing.
1. Scented candles and air fresheners
You might love a fresh linen candle or a vanilla-scented plug-in, but your pet’s lungs aren’t always on board. Some candles and sprays contain chemicals and essential oils that can trigger breathing issues — especially in cats, who are extra sensitive.
Keep it simple: Look for pet-safe alternatives or go fragrance-free where you can. (Your pet will still love you, even if your house doesn’t smell like cupcakes.)
2. Cleaning products
Bleach, disinfectants, floor sprays — even “eco-friendly” ones — can leave behind a film that your pet walks through and then licks off their paws. These chemicals can irritate skin, upset tummies, or worse.
Pro tip: Choose pet-safe cleaners when you can and give the floor an extra rinse if your pet likes to nap or roll around there.
3. Plastic food and water bowls
They’re cheap and everywhere… but not ideal. Plastic bowls can get scratched easily, which traps bacteria and can cause chin acne (yep, even in pets). Some plastics also leach chemicals over time, especially in the sun.
What to use instead: Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are a safer, longer-lasting choice. Check out our feeding accessories collection
4. Essential oils and diffusers
Essential oils might be relaxing for you, but some are downright dangerous for pets — especially when used in diffusers. Tea tree, citrus, peppermint, eucalyptus… all no-gos for animals.
Reality check: Just because it’s “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe. Always store oils well out of reach and don’t diffuse them near pets unless you’re 100% sure they’re pet-safe.
5. Loud noise (yes, even your TV)
Dogs and cats hear way better than we do — so what sounds normal to you might feel like a full-blown concert to them. Loud TVs, speakers, and even vacuum cleaners can be stressful and overstimulating.
Try this: Keep noise low where you can, especially during naps or when you leave the house. Pet-friendly playlists or calming music can make a big difference.
6. Houseplants that are secretly toxic
That gorgeous monstera or peace lily you just bought? Could be harmful if your pet has a nibble. Some of the most common houseplants can cause vomiting, drooling, or worse if ingested.
Best move: Keep plants well out of reach or stick to pet-safe options.
7. Skipping playtime
It’s easy to forget how important mental and physical stimulation is — especially for indoor pets. A lack of play can lead to anxiety, weight gain, boredom, and unwanted behaviour (like chewing your shoes... again).
Simple fixes: Rotate toys, use food puzzles, or add short bursts of play throughout the day. It doesn’t need to be a whole production — just five minutes of fetch can work wonders.
8. Your own stress
Yep, they pick up on it. Pets are incredibly in tune with our emotions. If you’re anxious or burnt out, they can start acting out too — whining, hiding, pacing, or just being clingy.
The vibe matters: Keeping your own stress in check helps keep your pet calm and happy too. Win-win.
Final thoughts
When it comes to your pet’s health, it’s not just about food and vet visits — it’s about the whole environment. From candles to cleaning sprays, there are more common household hazards for pets than you might think. But don’t stress — you don’t have to get rid of everything you love.
Just being aware of these sneaky triggers means you can make smarter choices that keep your pets safe, healthy, and happy. And let’s be honest — they deserve nothing less.
Want more tips, pet product recs, and stories from the weird world of animal behaviour?
Keep exploring the blog on VetProductsDirect or check out our range of everyday pet essentials to help your pets live their best (and safest) life.
