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Household Hazards
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Pet-proofing Your Home
There is no way to protect your pet from all potential accidents, but
there are a few common danger zones that you can guard against.
Wire Worries
To avoid electrocution, check all exposed wires and cables for trouble
spots, including frayed and/or trailing wires, cables or cords. Repair any
worn wires and keep all wires safely out of the reach of your dog or cat.
Cleanser & Chemical Cautions
Household cleansers, laundry detergents, bleach, paints and paint
thinners, pesticides, fertilizers, weed-killers, anti-freeze, disinfectants,
mothballs, bug sprays and rodent poison are all potentially deadly to
household pets. Pay special attention to anti-freeze since its sweet taste
can be enticing. Make sure all supplies are securely stored in cabinets and
any spills are cleaned up immediately.
Chewing Hazards
Do not leave sharp objects around where your dog or cat can chew or
swallow them (nails, staples, brads, pins). Do not allow your pet to play
with plastic bags, since the bags can suffocate your pet, or be swallowed.
Keep your shoes and other chewables in the closet, and always encourage your
pet to only chew on appropriate toys. If your pet continues to chew on
inappropriate items, like furniture, you can apply a harmless, but foul
tasting product found, at pet stores that will curtail the chewing.
Poisonous Plants
The following list of potentially hazardous plants is in no way complete;
however, it does represent commonly kept plants. If you need more specific
information or need help identifying plants, consult your veterinarian or
local florist.
 | Dieffenbachia, philodendron and caladium cause throat irritation and
will burn the throat just as much coming up is going down. Do not induce
vomiting and seek veterinary treatment. |
| English ivy, iris, amaryllis, daffodil and tulip (especially the
bulbs) cause gastric irritation and sometimes central nervous system
excitement followed by coma and, in severe cases, death. Induce vomiting
and seek veterinary treatment. |
| Foxglove, lily of the valley, oleander, monkshood and larkspur can be
life-threatening because the cardiovascular system is affected. The
different species of yew are also toxic because they affect the nervous
system. If any of these are ingested, get the dog or cat to a veterinarian
immediately. |
Household Hazards
Our homes can contain a wide variety of potentially harmful compounds.
The following is not a complete list, but indicates some of the most
common problems.
Foods to Avoid
| Onions, onion powder |
| Chocolate (baker's, semi-sweet, milk, dark) |
| Alcoholic beverages |
| Yeast dough |
| Coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate covered espresso beans) |
| Tea (caffeine) |
| Salt |
| Macadamia nuts |
| Hops (used in home beer brewing) |
| Tomato leaves and stems (green parts) |
| Potato leaves and stems (green parts) |
| Rhubarb leaves |
| Avocados (toxic to birds, mice, rabbits, horses, cattle, and dairy
goats) |
| Moldy foods
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Medications
Because they are so much smaller than we are, our companion animals need to
be kept away from all medications. Do not give any of your medications to a
pet. That includes over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen,
cough or cold medicines and decongestants. Pain killers, cold medicines,
anti-cancer drugs, anti-depressants, vitamins and diet pills are all
examples of human medications that can be lethal to animals, even in small
doses.
Household Items
Common household items that can be lethal to an animal are mothballs,
potpourri oils, coffee grounds, homemade play dough, fabric softener sheets,
dishwashing detergent, batteries, cigarettes, and alcoholic drinks. |
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