The scent of freshly sharpened pencils and new notebooks fills the air. Backpacks, bursting with potential, sit waiting by the door. It’s that time again – back to school! While this season brings excitement for students and maybe a sigh of relief for parents, it introduces a whole new set of potential hazards for our furry family members. Those intriguing new supplies scattered around the house can look like fascinating chew toys to curious cats and dogs. Unfortunately, many common school items pose significant risks, turning study time into a potential emergency. Keeping these supplies safely stowed away is crucial for preventing unfortunate accidents and ensuring the back-to-school transition is smooth for everyone, including those with paws.
Think about it from your pet’s perspective. A colourful eraser might look remarkably like a tasty treat. A dangling string from a backpack could be an invitation for a game of tug-of-war. Glue sticks might have an interesting texture to lick or chew. It’s not malice; it’s curiosity and instinct. However, this innocent exploration can lead to choking, internal blockages, poisoning, or other injuries. Understanding the risks associated with specific items is the first step towards creating a pet-safe study environment.
The Usual Suspects: Common School Supply Dangers
Many everyday school items harbour hidden dangers for pets. Being aware of what to watch out for is paramount.
Writing and Drawing Tools
Pencils and Pens: The wood casing of pencils can splinter easily when chewed, potentially causing mouth injuries or internal punctures if swallowed. The graphite isn’t typically toxic in small amounts, but large ingestions aren’t good. Pens present similar risks; chewed plastic can break into sharp pieces. Ink ingestion can cause stomach upset or, depending on the type, more severe issues. Those colourful gel pens might be particularly attractive.
Crayons and Markers: While most crayons marketed for children in North America are labelled non-toxic, ingesting large amounts can still lead to gastrointestinal upset or potential blockage, especially the waxy kind. Older crayons, perhaps vintage ones found in storage, could contain lead. Markers, particularly permanent ones, often contain solvents like xylene which are toxic if ingested and can cause neurological issues or severe irritation. Even washable markers can cause vomiting or diarrhea if consumed in quantity. Always check labels, but assume they are best kept away.
Adhesives and Small Objects
Glue Sticks and Liquid Glue: Standard white school glue and glue sticks are generally considered low toxicity. If ingested, they might cause mild stomach upset. However, the plastic casing of a glue stick itself can become a choking hazard or cause an intestinal obstruction if swallowed whole or in large pieces. Some stronger craft glues or super glues contain more dangerous chemicals and should be treated with extreme caution around pets.
Erasers: These are prime candidates for ingestion. They are often just the right size to be swallowed whole by medium-to-large dogs or chewed into smaller, still dangerous, pieces by cats and smaller dogs. Erasers are significant choking hazards and can easily lead to intestinal blockages requiring surgical removal.
Paper Clips, Staples, Tacks, and Rubber Bands: These small metal or rubber items are incredibly dangerous. They can cause choking, puncture the digestive tract, or lead to serious internal blockages. Rubber bands, if swallowed, can sometimes wrap around parts of the intestines, cutting off blood supply – a life-threatening emergency.
Backpacks and Their Contents
A backpack left on the floor is an open invitation for exploration. Besides the supplies mentioned above, they might contain forgotten snacks (like grapes, raisins, or chocolate, which are toxic to dogs), medication, or other hazardous items. The bag itself, with its straps and zippers, can also pose entanglement or chewing risks.
Creating a Pet-Proof Study Zone: Prevention is Key
The most effective strategy is simple: keep school supplies out of reach. This requires consistency and establishing new household habits, especially during the busy school year.
Designated Storage Areas
Don’t rely on just putting things “up high” if your cat is a climber or your large dog can reach the counter. Invest in secure storage solutions.
- High Shelves and Cabinets: Use shelves well above your pet’s reach, especially for cats who can jump surprisingly high. Cabinets with doors that close securely are even better.
- Closed Drawers: Desks with drawers that shut completely are good options for smaller items. Be mindful of pets who might learn to nudge drawers open.
- Sturdy Bins with Latching Lids: Plastic storage containers with lids that snap or latch securely are excellent for bulkier items or art supplies. Clear bins help you see what’s inside without opening them frequently.
- Pencil Cases and Boxes: Encourage kids to keep smaller items like pens, pencils, erasers, and sharpeners zipped up in durable pencil cases or snapped shut in pencil boxes, even when stored within a larger bin or drawer.
The Homework Hub: Establishing Boundaries
Designate a specific area for homework and crafts, ideally one where pets are not allowed unsupervised, or access can be restricted.
- Dedicated Room: If possible, use a room with a door that can be closed during study sessions and when supplies are left out temporarily.
- Pet Gates: Baby gates or pet gates can effectively block off a section of a larger room, creating a temporary pet-free zone.
- Training: Teach pets commands like “Leave it” or “Out” to help manage their curiosity when supplies are in use. Consistency is vital. Reward them for staying calm outside the designated homework area.
Backpack Protocol
Instill a strict “backpack off the floor” rule. As soon as your child comes home, the backpack should be completely zipped up and stored away.
- Hooks: Install sturdy hooks in a mudroom, closet, or designated wall space, high enough to be out of pet reach.
- Closets: Storing backpacks inside a closet with the door shut is a simple and effective solution.
- Check Pockets: Remind kids to clear out lunch bags and check all backpack pockets for potentially hazardous leftovers or loose supplies daily.
Vigilance and Immediate Clean-Up
Accidents happen. An eraser bounces off the table, pencil shavings scatter, a glue cap goes missing. The key is swift action.
- Scan the Floor: After any homework or crafting session, do a quick visual sweep of the floor and surrounding area for any dropped items.
- Clean Spills Promptly: Wipe up any glue or paint spills immediately.
- Secure Trash: Ensure pencil shavings, discarded wrappers, and other supply-related waste go into a trash can with a secure lid, especially if your pet is known to raid the garbage.
Immediate Danger Alert! Small items like erasers, paper clips, staples, and rubber bands pose a severe and immediate choking risk to pets. They can also cause life-threatening internal blockages if swallowed. Never leave these items unattended, even for a moment, and always store them in securely closed containers well out of reach. Diligence with these tiny hazards is non-negotiable for pet safety.
When Supplies Are in Use: Supervised Sessions
Prevention is ideal, but supplies need to be used eventually. During homework time or art projects, direct supervision is crucial, especially with younger children who might not be as aware of the risks to pets.
Keep pets occupied elsewhere if possible during intense crafting sessions involving potentially messy or numerous small items. If they must be in the same room, maintain constant awareness of their location and behaviour relative to the supplies. Reinforce the “Leave it” command if they show undue interest. Remember, it only takes a split second for a dog to snatch a dropped crayon or a cat to bat a paperclip under the sofa.
Considering Pet-Safer Alternatives?
While the focus should be on keeping supplies away, you can sometimes make slightly safer choices. For instance, opting for crayons and markers clearly labelled “non-toxic” is always wise. Using white school glue instead of stronger craft adhesives when appropriate reduces risk. However, no school supply should be considered a “pet toy,” and even non-toxic items can cause blockages or upset stomachs if ingested. Secure storage remains the primary defence.
Handling Potential Ingestion: Better Safe Than Sorry
Despite best efforts, accidents might happen. If you suspect your pet has ingested a school supply, acting quickly is essential. Look for signs like choking, gagging, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, or abdominal pain. Small, sharp objects can cause internal damage that isn’t immediately obvious.
If you witness ingestion or suspect it, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet clinic immediately. Have information ready about what you think was ingested and how much. Do not try to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional, as this can sometimes cause more harm. Prompt professional assessment is always the safest course of action.
A Harmonious School Year for All
The back-to-school season doesn’t have to spell trouble for your furry companions. By understanding the risks posed by common school supplies and implementing consistent, practical prevention strategies, you can create a safe environment for both studying and snuggling. Secure storage, designated pet-free zones during homework time, diligent clean-up, and careful supervision are your best tools. A little extra effort in pet-proofing the study routine ensures peace of mind and allows everyone in the household – two-legged and four-legged – to navigate the school year safely and happily. Keep those pencil sharpeners humming and those tails wagging, just preferably not near each other!
