When you consider the many ways your pet could be harmed, you likely think of cars, wild animals, or aggressive dogs. But, have you considered toxic items in your home? Many everyday household items can harm your furry pal—and they’re everywhere! It’s crucial that pet owners know the possible dangers to avoid a pet emergency. Our All Breed Pet Care team covers the most common household items toxic to pets to help keep your four-legged friend safe.
Noxious nibble: Pet poisonous plants
Many indoor and outdoor plants add value to our lives and homes with their beauty. Unfortunately, some of these plants are harmful to pets when ingested. Common household plants that are toxic to pets include:
- Lilies, especially for cats
- Azaleas
- Tulips
- Daffodils
- Oleanders
- Crocus
- Sago palm
- Caster bean
- Yew
Plant poisoning signs may include gastrointestinal (GI) upset, weakness, drooling, bruising or bleeding, and seizures, depending on the plant ingested. Researching the plants in your home and yard and ensuring they are pet-safe is vital. Check with our All Breed Pet Care team for pet-friendly plant ideas.
Don’t eat that! Toxic foods
Many pet owners enjoy giving their pets a piece of cheese or a dollop of peanut butter, but certain human foods can harm pets, who metabolize them differently. Common offenders include:
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions and garlic
- Avocado
- Moldy cheese (i.e., blue cheese, Camembert)
- Raw bread dough
- Xylitol (i.e., a sweetener often found in sugar-free gum, some peanut butter, and candy)
Toxic foods can cause problems from GI upset to organ failure in pets. Keep all human foods out of reach or in locked cabinets and ensure trash cans are securely closed.
Cleaning conundrum: Toxic household cleaners
A clean home gives you satisfaction for a job well done, but you must be aware of the products you use, because some cleaning products contain chemicals, such as ammonia, formaldehyde, glycol ethers, and phthalates, which can harm cats, dogs, and other animals. Ensure all your cleaning supplies and chemicals are securely stored in cabinets or on shelves inaccessible to pets. When you use these products, keep your pets in a separate room or under supervision to protect them from exposure through fumes or ingestion.
What’s lurking in lawns: Outdoor chemicals
Many chemicals used on lawns and in gardens keep them healthy and beautiful to look at, but they’re generally not good for your pet’s health. Fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides contain chemicals such as disulfoton and metaldehyde that can cause vomiting, tremors, and seizures. One example is the fertilizer cocoa mulch, which is good for your garden but contains theobromine. In pets, theobromine, which is also an ingredient in chocolate, acts as a harmful stimulant.
You no doubt love watching your pet frolic and roll around on your beautiful green grass, but ensure you know whether the lawn was recently treated. When outdoors with your pet, avoid recently treated areas, discourage grass chewing, and steer clear of mulched garden and flower beds.
Pill problems: Human medications toxic to pets
Prescription and over-the-counter medications, including painkillers, antidepressants, and vitamins, can be dangerous for pets. Most pills or capsules are not tasty to people, but they will attract a cat or dog who finds them on the floor or on a countertop they can reach. Keep all medications securely stored in a cabinet or drawer, and never medicate your pet—whether human or pet medication—without first consulting a veterinarian.
Household hazards: Small objects and pets
Pets are innately curious and love to zero in on interesting objects, but many small household items can harm them if swallowed. Items commonly ingested by pets include:
- Batteries
- Small toys (e.g., Lego pieces)
- Keys
- Coins
- Curling ribbon
- Hair accessories (e.g., ties, ribbons)
- Craft items (e.g, string, needles, pins, knitting needles)
- Rubber bands
- Personal items (e.g., condoms, tampons)
Pets who eat these items may choke, be injured if the object is sharp, or suffer an internal blockage that may require surgical removal. Thoroughly sweep the floor for small items regularly, and teach children that they must pick up after themselves for their pet’s safety. Always supervise your pet while your kids play or crate them, if necessary. Also, empty the contents of your purse, bag, or pockets on a high shelf where they are out of your pet’s sight.
When you are aware of potential pet hazards in your home and you mitigate the risks, you can help ensure their environment is safe. Familiarize yourself with common pet toxins and implement preventive measures through locked boxes, cabinets, and trash cans, and storage on high shelves. Also, always know how to contact the ASPCA’s Pet Poison hotline. The best defense is a good offense.
If, despite all your efforts, you suspect your pet has eaten an item that could harm them, contact our All Breed Pet Care team promptly.
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