As owners, we all love to keep our pets safe and healthy. But some of the greatest risks to dogs and cats aren’t outside, they’re right within our own homes. From the kitchen to the garage, household items that we use every day can be serious risks to your pets, and you might not even know it. Here’s a closer examination of 13 dangerous household items and tips and make your pets more safe.
1. Chocolate
Most pet owners know chocolate is dangerous, but it’s the compounds theobromine and caffeine that make it toxic, especially in dark or baking chocolate. Ingesting even a small amount can cause anything from restlessness and vomiting to seizures, heart issues, or even coma. If your pet gets into chocolate, don’t wait, take them to the vet and check the package to help find how much was consumed.
2. Xylitol
This common sugar substitute can be found in sugar-free gum, baked treats, toothpaste, and even some medications. It’s particularly dangerous to dogs, bringing on a rapid decrease in blood sugar and, in severe cases, liver failure. Even a small amount is fatal, so if you suspect your pet has ingested something with xylitol, call your vet right away.
3. Human Medications
Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can be very toxic to animals. Cats are particularly susceptible, only one tablet of acetaminophen can cause serious damage. For dogs, drugs such as ibuprofen can cause stomach ulcers, kidney failure, and neurological problems. Always keep medicines out of reach and never administer human medication to pets unless instructed to do so by a veterinarian.
4. Grapes and Raisins
We don’t yet know precisely why, but raisins and date-like fruit, the grapes, can lead to sudden kidney failure in dogs. Some are more sensitive than others, but it’s better safe than sorry. Monitor for vomiting, weakness, or loss of appetite, and call your vet immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested any.
5. Unbaked Bread Dough
If you enjoy baking from home, exercise special care. Raw dough bread can swell up in the pet’s stomach and cause risky bloating or a stoved stomach. Yeast also releases alcohol during fermentation, leading to alcohol poisoning. The symptoms may arise suddenly, hence requiring immediate veterinary attention.
6. Batteries
Chew or ingest batteries and risk severe internal trauma. The acid contained within them can burn, ulcerate, and bleed within the digestive system. If you have a suspicion that your pet has bitten or ingested a battery, rush them to the vet X-rays are usually required in order to determine the extent of the damage.
7. Toilet Bowl Tablets
Bleach, ammonia, and other household cleaners can burn a pet’s mouth, stomach, and internal system. Toilet bowl cleaners can be particularly hazardous if your pet laps up the water from the bowl. Store all cleaners safely and keep pets out of the way of freshly cleaned surfaces until they are dry and safe.
8. Antifreeze and Car Fluids
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is particularly hazardous as it has a sweet odor and a good taste for pets. A teaspoon is lethal for a cat, and a tablespoon is harmful to a dog. Early signs are stumbling, vomiting, and excessive thirst. Clean up any spills at once and keep all auto products out of reach of pets.
9. Onions, Garlic, and Similar Foods
Raw, cooked, or powdered onions, garlic, leeks, and chives alike can all destroy your pet’s red blood cells and cause anemia. Even a little will cause stomach upset or worse. Pay special attention to table foods or foods prepared with these.
10. Rodent and Insect Poisons
Rodenticides and pesticides are highly poisonous to pets. Even the slightest ingestion can lead to internal bleeding, seizures, or organ failure. Use them with maximum caution, or better still, use pet-safe alternatives, and exclude pets from treated areas at all costs.
11. Toxic Plants and Mushrooms
Wild mushrooms, particularly those belonging to the Amanita family, are fatal. The symptoms can be vomiting, seizures, and liver failure. Most houseplants are toxic as well as lilies are also known to cause kidney failure in cats, and sago palms can kill dogs. Ensure you are aware of which plants within and around your household are safe.
12. What to Do in an Emergency
If you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous, seconds count. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 right away. Don’t induce vomiting unless instructed to by a professional. Take the packaging or samples with you to the vet and watch for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, or wild behavior.
13. How to Make Your Home Pet-Safe
Prevention is the best medicine. These are a few easy steps to help keep your pets safe:
- Lock cabinets with child-proof locks.
- Place medications, food, and cleaning supplies on high shelves.
- Keep trash cans covered.
- Lock car supplies in safe places.
- Instruct all people in the household on pet dangers.
- Have emergency numbers handy somewhere visible.
With a bit of know-how and forethought, you can make your home a safer environment for your furry friends. Because when it comes to safeguarding our pets, it’s the little things that count.
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