Stefania Sarrubba
A doctor has issued a warning to pet owners as a household item can prove fatal to their furry friends, especially cats.
Dr Joe Whittington, who boasts more than 2 million followers on TikTok, has warned pet owners against using hair loss medication Minoxidil as residue on someone's hands can be deadly to pets.
The active substance is contained in topical sprays that are applied to the scalp to stimulate hair growth, but can have dramatic consequences if ingested by pets.
According to Dr Whittington, the substance is 'so toxic' that even the smallest exposure can pose a huge risk to our pets' lives. The danger is especially serious for cats as 'their bodies don’t have the ability to metabolise it,' Whittington continued in the viral video.
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"Just walking across the residue or licking it off your skin can cause severe toxicity," the doctor added in the clip.
Whittington had some advice to share with those using the product to protect their pets, particularly cats.
"Protect your furry friends by washing your hands, cleaning spills, and storing it out of reach. Your hair journey doesn’t have to put their lives at risk," he said.
Many TikTok users were left in shock, with one person writing: "This household item is so toxic it could kill your pet with just one lick: 'I had no idea.'"
Others are considering whether to use the product at all now they found out their pets may not be safe.
"I'm getting a lot of bald patches in my head and was thinking of buying minoxidil but now I'm hesitant since my cat is clingy and always sleeps next to me," someone wrote.
Some viewers also urged those using products containing Minoxidil to not let their pets sleep on their pillows and always check for residues.
“Don’t let them sleep on your pillow. Reside can get on their fur and when they clean themselves, they can ingest it!" someone wrote, while someone else suggested that taking Minoxidil pills could be a better option.
This is hardly the only potentially hazardous household item that can threaten the lives of our pets.
This festive season, pet owners have been urged to pay extra attention to their furry pals as tinsel can be very dangerous.
While not poisonous in itself, tinsel poses a serious choking hazard if pets mistake it for a toy.
According to PDSA, tinsel 'can get stuck as it tries to pass through the intestines and cause a deadly blockage' so better be careful if you've put some up on your tree.