Household Hazards

Every home contains items that may be dangerous or fatal if ingested by dogs or cats. Remember, pets are curious creatures. If something smells good to them, they'll eat it!

 

Protect your pet's health by learning what to keep out of their reach!

 

Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2010

• Hazards in the Kitchen
• Hazards in the Bathroom
• Hazards in the Bedroom and Living Room
• Hazards in the Garage and Yard
• Other Household Hazards
• Holiday Hazards
• Top Toxins
• What To Do If Your Pet Is Poisoned

 

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Hazards in the Kitchen

Foods:

Many foods which are perfectly safe for humans could be harmful or deadly to dogs and cats.

	Coffee (all forms) Chocolate - (the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is for animals) Yeast Dough Macadamia Nuts Fatty Foods Avocados Nutmeg Moldy/Spoiled Foods	Grapes or Raisins Onions & Onion Powder Tea Leaves Alcoholic Beverages Salt Garlic Xylitol (a sweetener found in many sugar-free items, like gum, candy, beverages and desserts)

Be careful to keep bread twist ties, string, rubber bands, paper clips, plastic wrap and aluminum foil in a safe location.

 

* Always keep garbage out of your pet's reach. Rotting food contains mold and bacteria that could cause food poisoning.

Cleaning Products:

Many household cleaners can be used safely around cats and dogs. The key to safe use is reading and following product directions.

 

Oven cleaner sprays, drain cleaners and bleach are especially toxic.

Follow directions carefully to avoid the following:

Upset Stomach Vomiting and/or Diarrhea Burns on the tongue/mouth

Internal burns, if swallowed Burns on the skin caused by contact with concentrated solutions Respiratory irritation if inhaled at high concentrations

*Note: Cats can be particularly sensitive to certain ingredients, such as penthol.

*Store all cleaning products in a secure cabinet out of reach of pets. Make sure to keep them in the original packaging, or in clearly labeled, tightly sealed containers.

 

Insecticides/Rodenticides:

These are very common causes of poisoning in pets.

If a pet ingests rat or mouse poison, it could be life-threatening. When using any rodenticide, place it in areas COMPLETELY inaccessible to pets. Slug, snail and fly baits are also toxic.

 

Read and follow label instructions before using any type of pesticide in your pet's environment. Flea and tick products labeled "for use in dogs only" should NOT be applied to cats or other species UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES! Seizures or death could result.

 

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Hazards in the Bathroom

Medications:

Never give your pet any medication unless directed by your veterinarian. The following medicines should be tightly closed and stored in a secure cabinet away from pets:

 

• Acetaminophen
• Anti-Cancer Drugs
• Antidepressants
• Antihistamines
• Cold & Flu Medicines
• Diet Pills
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen or Naproxen
• Prescription Drugs
• Sleep Aids

Soaps and other Sundries:

Bath/hand soaps, detergents, fabric softeners, sun blocks, toothpaste, dental floss and cotton swabs should be kept away from your pets. They can cause stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhea.

Most bathroom cleaners, including lime/scale removers, are hazardous to animals.

 

Keep toilet lids closed to prevent pets from drinking treated water that could irritate their digestive tract.

 

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Hazards in the Bedroom and Living Room

 

Liquid potpourri products contain ingredients that can cause oral ulcers, among other problems.

 

Just one mothball has the potential to sicken a dog or cat. Mothballs that contain naphthalene can cause serious illness, including liver, kidney, and blood cell damage; swelling of the brain tissues; seizures; coma; respiratory tract damage (if inhaled) and even death.

 

Tobacco products, pennies, (those minted after 1982 contain zinc), and alkaline batteries (like those in your remote controls), can also be hazardous when ingested.

 

Socks, nylons and underwear are commonly ingested by dogs. Advise children, and messy adults, they should always put their dirty clothes out of pet's reach!

 

Sewing supplies are often enticing to cats. Make sure string and yarn are stored securely..

 

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Hazards in the Garage and Yard

 

Ethylene glycol-containing antifreeze can be fatal to both dogs and cats, even in small quantities. While antifreeze products containing propylene glycol are less toxic, they can still be dangerous.

 

Plant & lawn fertilizers, weed killers, cocoa mulch, ice-melting products, pool/spa chemicals, oil and gasoline also pose a serious threat to your pet's health if ingested.

* When chemical treatments are applied to grassy areas, be sure to keep your pet off the lawn for the manufacturer's recommended time. If pets are exposed to wet chemicals or granules that adhere to their paws, they may lick it off. Stomach upset or more serious problems could result.

 

Never leave your pet unattended near an uncovered pool, even if they can swim.

 

Damaged fences or gates may allow a pet to run away, or the pet may be injured or strangled if they get stuck.

Compost piles can grow bacteria and fungi that are highly toxic to pets. Make sure your pet does not have access to compost, and avoid composting meat and dairy items.

 

Paint thinners, mineral spirits, lighter fluid and other solvents are dangerous and can cause severe irritation and chemical burns if they contact your pet's skin. Worse problems occur if they're swallowed.

Some types of paint contain heavy metals or volatile substances that are harmful if inhaled or ingested.

Plants - Inside or Around the House:

There are many household and yard plants that can sicken your pet.

For a complete listing of common toxic and non-toxic plants, visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/

 

• Rhubarb leaves and shamrock contain substances that can produce kidney failure when ingested.
• Certain types of lilies, Lilium and Hemerocallis species, are highly toxic to cats - even if only small amounts are ingested
• Sago palms, (Cycad species), can cause liver damage, especially if the nut portion of the plant is consumed.

Some varieties of mushrooms can cause liver damage and other problems if ingested.

 

 

 

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Other Household Hazards

Small items that fall on the floor can be easily swallowed by a curious cat or dog.  This includes coins, buttons, children's toys, small balls, jewelry, hair ties/pins, nails and screws.  They could damage your pet's digestive tract and they may require surgical removal.

 

Electrocution or burns may result from your pet chewing electrical cords. To prevent this, use cord covers or block access to the wires.

 

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Holiday Hazards

Fatty, rich or spicy "people food" can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and lead to inflammation of the pancreas called pancreatitis.  Poultry and other soft bones can splinter and damage your pet's mouth and esophagus.  Halloween treats such as chocolate or candy sweetened with xylitol make an especially harmful snack.

 

Tinsel, ribbons and ornaments pose a definite hazard to pets. String-like items can damage your pet's intestine and may prove fatal if not surgically removed.  

 

Holly and mistletoe are especially dangerous if ingested.  Pine needles are poisonous, and Christmas tree water treated with preservatives and/or fertilizers can cause an upset stomach.  Even untreated water from tree stands contains bacteria that can be harmful to pets.

While poinsettia is not deadly as popular legend would have it, it may cause an upset stomach if consumed.

 

 

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Top Toxins

This list is courtesy of  VPI Pet Insurance. Pets are commonly treated for ingesting these substances;

 

• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen
• Plants, especially Lilies
• Human Food
• Household Cleaners
• Antifreeze
• Over-the-counter Flea Treatments
• Pesticides

 

 

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What to do if your pet is poisoned:

 

DON'T WAIT! Time is critical for successful treatment!

 

Pick up the phone and call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. A consultation fee may apply.  Be prepared to state your pet's breed, age, weight, what they consumed, how long ago, how much, and any symptoms they are exhibiting. If possible, have the container or plant sample with you when you call.

 

For more information about pet poisons, visit the ASPCA Poison Control Center at http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/