Household Hazards to Your Pets
September 10, 2008
Below are reasons to puppy/kitten proof (and adult pet proof) your home to prevent harmful, even fatal accidents. Be aware of foods, chemicals, medications and other products that can be dangerous to pets. Some things should be secured out of reach or just not used at all. Confining some pets, like puppies, in a crate from a young age can be a good way to avoid exposure, especially when you cannot supervise them.
In the Kitchen
Food - Do not allow cats and dogs access to these foods: coffee grounds, avocado, tea, Grapes and Raisins, any chocolate (Baker’s is the worst) , onions, fatty/greasy foods, salt, yeast dough, garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol (including beer), chewing gum and candy (Xylitol is the problem), breath fresheners, garbage- because rotten food has bacteria and molds that can cause food poisoning
Cleaning Products
Store products in a secure cabinet out of reach of pets in their original containers. Read the label directions. For example, if it says “keep pets away from area until dry,” it is important to do so. If bleach has been used and the surface is still wet, ingestion could cause stomach upset, drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea. Inhaled fumes could cause respiratory tract irritation. Skin contact can cause serious chemical burns.
Insecticides/Rodenticides
Read and follow directions before using any pesticide. Some flea and tick preventatives are only for dogs. Never use these on cats or any other pets which could cause poisoning. Mouse or rat poisons often contain an anti-coagulant that causes internal bleeding. Unfortunately, they taste good to cats and dogs. Pets will seek them out in hiding places and get to them. It is better to use non-toxic glue traps or other traps.
In the Bathroom
Human medicines can be dangerous or even deadly to pets. They should be tightly closed and stored in a cabinet above the counter. These include:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as: aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen-they can cause stomach ulcers, vomit, diarrhea, and kidney damage
acetaminophen(Tylenol)- this will kill cats
prescription medicines diet pills antihistamines
cold medicines vitamins antidepressants
Never give any medicines without asking your veterinarian.
In addition, soaps, toothpaste (it’s good to brush your pet’s teeth, but not with your toothpaste) , and sun block should be kept away from pets. They cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If the toilet bowl has been chemically treated, keep the lid shut. Even better is to avoid leaving chemical residues.
In the Bedroom/Living Room
Keep medicines off of night stands , coffee tables, and counters.
Liquid potpourri has substances that can cause oral ulcers if ingested. Keep it out of reach.
Mothballs, tobacco products(pets can get second hand smoke too), pennies, and alkaline batteries (found in the remote control, cameras, etc.) are hazardous if ingested.
In the Garage/Yard
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which tastes sweet to pets and can be fatal to dogs and cats even in small amounts.
Other products that can cause illness are:
Insecticides, fertilizers, weed killers, ice melt products, and gasoline.
If the lawn is treated, keep pets off for the specified time per manufacturer. Wet chemicals or granules could stick to paws that get licked causing harm.
Paints/Solvents
Paint thinners, mineral spirits, and other solvents cause severe irritation or chemical burns if swallowed or on skin contact.
Some special paints contain heavy metals.
Plant List (partial)- For a complete list of toxic and non-toxic plants go to www.apcc.aspca.org
Philodendron, corn plant, castor bean, Hybiscus, Hydrangea, Lily of the Valley, Oleander, azalea, yew, foxglove, Rhubarb, Shamrock, Sago palm
Outdoor Mushrooms
Common problems caused are vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney and liver damage.
Everyday Household Hazards
Check for small items on the floor. Coins, buttons, small kids’ toys, medicine bottles, jewelry, nails, screws are interesting to curious cats and dogs, young and old. They can cause damage to a pet’s digestive tract even requiring surgery to remove them.
Electrical cords pose a hazard if chewed causing oral burns or electrocution. There are bitter tasting deterrents that can be applied, but avoidance and physical deterrence may be the only way to prevent a problem.
Holiday Hazards
Advise guests not to feed from the table or any left-overs. Any bones, greasy, fatty or spicy foods can lead to vomiting and diarrhea or even an inflamed pancreas which can lead to a hospital stay.
Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas
Candy/gum containing xylitol for sweetening and chocolate are hazardous. Keep all bags of candy up and away from pets. Decorations can be harmful. Anything long and stringy (tinsel , ribbon), favorites of cats, and ornaments can be hazardous if ingested causing intestinal damage and potentially surgery. You may not even want to decorate with these items to avoid a temptation to pets.
Poinsettia, holly, mistletoe should not be ingested by pets. Christmas tree water treated with fertilizer or preservatives or allowed to stagnate will cause digestive upset if ingested.
What about pet birds?
Many of the same items are dangerous to birds, especially if they are free roaming. They are highly sensitive to chemicals in the environment. Avoid respiratory hazards such as aerosol products, tobacco products, glues, paint, and air fresheners.
Keep birds out of the kitchen due to cooking fumes, smoke, and odors.
What to do in the event of a poisoning
Act quickly! Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435-there is a fee to maintain this service. Provide as much information as possible. Keep the product container or plant sample in order to take it to the veterinary office.
Remember prevention of accidental contact or ingestion is the best medicine of all.
In order to obtain more information on pet poisons, visit: www.apcc.aspca.org
This information was taken from an article provided by the AVMAtion of accidental contact or ingestion is the best medicine of all.
In order to obtain more information on pet poisons, visit: www.apcc.aspca.org
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