09/03/2026
🚨🎒 Your child’s backpack might be your pet’s next big adventure…
With the school year starting back up, curious pets may find themselves drawn to backpacks, lunchboxes, and anything that smells like a tasty snack. Unfortunately, some of the items kids bring home from school can be harmful — or even dangerous — for our four-legged family members.
🐾 Help keep pets safe by:
✅ Storing backpacks and lunchboxes somewhere pets can’t reach
✅ Throwing away leftover food before bags hit the floor
✅ Teaching kids to keep snacks and medications away from curious noses
Some common back-to-school items that can be toxic to pets include:
🍬 Sugar-free gum containing xylitol
🍇 Grapes and raisins
🥜 Macadamia nuts
🍔 Foods containing onions
💊 ADHD medications, inhalers, and human pain medications
🍱 Moldy leftovers or forgotten lunchbox surprises
And don’t forget about school supplies! ✏️ While many children’s art materials are made with safety in mind, some products can still cause problems if swallowed. If your pet decides to “help” with homework by chewing on supplies, it’s best to check with your veterinary team.
A few simple changes to your back-to-school routine can help prevent an unexpected trip to the vet. Here’s to a safe, healthy, and happy school year for the whole family! 🐶🐱📚
