Household Poisons and Hazards for Pets
Many common household items can pose a threat to the health and well-being of our pets. Even some items specifically meant for pets can cause health problems.
To protect your pet, first and foremost you want to be an attentive pet owner and always take the same precautions you would with a child. Rodent poisons and insecticides are the most common sources of companion animal poisoning, but several other hazards in the garage, yard, kitchen and elsewhere around the house can cause serious illness, injury or even death. The following list of common and potentially toxic agents should be avoided if at all possible.
Hazards Outside:
- Antifreeze that contains ethylene glycol – the antifreeze has a sweet smell that attracts animals but is deadly even if consumed in small quantities. Antifreeze that contains propylene glycol is safe for animals if only ingested in small amounts.
- Cocoa mulch
- Fertilizers and plant food
- De-icing salts – used to melt snow and ice, irritate pets' paws and can be poisonous if licked off.
- Pest control poisons and traps – dogs and cats can receive secondary poison from ingesting a rodent killed by a glue or poison trap.
Hazards Inside the Home:
- Human medications and pain killers – including ibuprofen, acetaminophen and aspirin, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, anti-depressants, vitamins, and diet pills can all be toxic to animals.
- Household plants – azalea, lilies, tulips, dumb cane, mistletoe and philodendron, among others. See the Humane Society's full list of plants potentially poisonous to pets.
- String, yarn, rubber bands and dental floss – can cause intestinal blockage or strangulation if ingested.
- Rawhide dog chews – often these are safe for pets, but in some cases rawhide dog bones and other toys have been contaminated with salmonella, which can affect pets and humans.
- Silica gel packs – usually found in shoeboxes.
Food Hazards:
- Chocolate
- Candy - any candy containing the sweetener Xylitol
- Apple seeds
- Apricot, peach and cherry pits
- Avocado
- Grapes and raisins
- Tomatoes
- Onion, garlic and peppers (cooked or raw)
- Cooked bones
- Coffee – grounds, beans and chocolate covered espresso beans
- Macadamia nuts
- Moldy foods
- Mushroom plants
- Mustard seeds
- Potato leaves and stems
- Salt
- Tea (caffeine)
- Walnuts
- Raw salmon – can be deadly; Salmon Poisoning Disease comes from infected parasites in the fish.
It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your pet's health. Try to keep harmful products off of the ground (above natural pet accessibility) and in a locked cabinet or storage container. Fertilizers, antifreeze and other potentially toxic products can smell very enticing to pets. It is best to keep all products, supplies, foods, etc. potentially hazardous to pets up and out of their reach.
Simple tip for protecting your pet:
A wise veterinarian once said to always keep a bottle of hydrogen peroxide handy at your house and in your car. If your dog ingests something you think might be hazardous, including objects like mushrooms, socks, or cleaning supplies, give 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide. If the dog hasn't vomited and you have waited 5-10 minutes, give your pet another 1/2 cup. To be safe, after your pet has expelled the unwanted meal, make sure you take them to the veterinary office for an examination. Learn how pet insurance can help you afford a large vet bill when your dog becomes ill or injured.