Are you aware of the wide range of common household items and products that can be hazardous to your dog’s health? Although it is not all-inclusive, this article is intended to help you recognize some of the common hazards found in the home.

Household Cleaning Products

Although many household cleaning products can be used safely around dogs, it is important that they are properly stored and used responsibly. Product labels normally include appropriate warnings when their use presents a potential hazard. Review product labels for statements such as “keep children and pets away from area until completely dry”. While cleaners containing chlorine bleach can safely disinfect household surfaces when used safely, they can also cause severe chemical burns when skin contact is made and are potentially lethal if swallowed. Diarrhea, excessive drooling, vomiting and stomach pain are typical symptoms of ingestion of these products.

To avoid accidents with cleaning products be sure to keep them in their original packaging if they can be tightly sealed. Packages that cannot be re-sealed should be stored in a properly labeled sealed container.

Insecticides and Herbicides

Keep flea and tick control products, intended for external use only, well out of your dog’s reach to avoid over exposure or ingestion. These products contain poisonous chemicals that can be very harmful to your pet if applied improperly.

Mouse and rat poisons when ingested can result in a life-threatening situation. It is critical to keep these products well sealed and in a location that is completely inaccessible to your dog.

Other insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and similar gardening products may also be hazardous to your dog if ingested. When these substances are applied to lawns and pets are exposed to wet or granular chemicals, severe skin reactions may occur. Should the chemicals stick to your dog’s paws, he may lick them and be sickened. Be sure to keep pets away from any treated area for at least the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer.

Human Foods Dogs Should Avoid

Some foods that are perfectly fine for human consumption can be dangerous – even deadly – to dogs. No matter how much he begs, these foods should never be given to your pooch:

Alcohol, Yeast Dough, Chewing Gum, Persimmons, Raw Eggs or Fish, Nutmeg, Mushrooms, Grapes/Raisins, Chocolate, Onions, Coffee & Grounds, Tea, Garlic, Avocados, Nuts, Salt, Potato Peelings, Most Bones, Baking Soda/Powder, and Sugar Free Foods Containing Xylitol.

Rotting food found in garbage may contain bacteria that could produce food poisoning. Be sure to keep garbage in securely closed trash cans. Dogs find garbage in plastic trash bags particularly tempting and they can easily tear open the bags looking for “goodies”.

Bathroom Hazards

Unless your veterinarian specifically instructs you to do so, never give your dog medications that are used to treat humans. To avoid accidental poisoning, keep all medicine in tightly closed, secured containers well away from your pooch. Particularly hazardous over-the-counter medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, antihistamines, cold medicines, vitamins, diet pills, and topical creams/ointments.

Other health and beauty products such as skin lotions, toothpaste, nail care products and even some soaps can cause vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain so keep them secured and out of reach. Also remember to keep toilet lids closed. Dogs seem to love drinking from toilet bowls but if they do so it can be risky due to chemicals in toilet bowl cleaning products.

Household Plants

Some plants typically found in homes and in the yard can be hazardous to a dog’s health. A few of the common plants that may be dangerous include:

Chrysanthemum, Schefflera, Lilies, Tulip and Narcissus Bulbs, Oleander, Azalea, Rhododendron, English Ivy, Sago Palm, Cyclamen, Yew, Amaryllis, Autumn Crocus, Pothos, Hibiscus, and Hydrangea

The ASPCA website has a very useful searchable data base of both non-toxic and toxic plants for dogs, cats, and horses. Visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/ to access their system.

Miscellaneous Household Hazards

– Ethylene glycol antifreeze and coolants can be fatal, even is very small quantities. Although less toxic, propylene glycol antifreeze can still be dangerous.

– Mothballs can be toxic to dogs particularly those containing naphthalene. They can result in blood cell damage, swelling of brain tissue, seizures, coma, and even death.

– Tobacco products

– Mothballs can be toxic to dogs particularly those containing naphthalene. They can result in blood cell damage, swelling of brain tissue, seizures, coma, and even death.

– Electrical cords should be covered and blocked to prevent access. Chewing on a live wire could prove deadly.

– Tobacco products

– Strings, ribbons, and similar items can damage your dog’s intestines and could be fatal if not surgically removed.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG IS POISONED

Do Not Delay! Quick action is essential for successful treatment of accidental poisoning. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-425-4435. Be ready to provide your dog’s age, weight, breed, and any symptoms observed. Have the product container or a sample of the plant with you so that the poison can be properly identified and an appropriate treatment can be prescribed.

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