Protect Your Dog from These Common Household Hazards

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.Cleaning ProductsHousehold cleaning products should be safely stored and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Product labels usually include warning statements such as “keep children and pets away from the area until it is completely dry”. Cleaning products containing chlorine bleach can cause chemical burns when skin contact is made. If swallowed the effects can be deadly. Stomach pain, vomiting, excessive drooling and vomiting are typical symptoms when these products are ingested.To eliminate accidents with household cleaning products it is important to keep them in the original packaging if the packaging can be securely re-sealed. Containers that cannot be re-sealed should be discarded after transferring the contents to a properly labeled container that can be securely closed. Insecticides and HerbicidesKeep 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 must be kept well sealed and in a secure location out of your dog’s reach. These compounds, if swallowed, can cause serious organ injury and may be lethal.Gardening chemicals (herbicides, fertilizers, insecticides, etc.) must also be used safely in order to ensure your dog’s health. When applied to lawns, keep all pets away from the treated area until it is considered safe according to the manufacturers directions. Lawn and garden chemicals that stick to your dog’s paws may cause severe skin reactions. If the dog later licks his paws the chemicals may be ingested.Human Foods Dogs Should AvoidThe following foods can be hazardous for dogs. No matter how much he begs for a “treat”, these foods should never be given to your dog:Chocolate, Yeast Dough, Chewing Gum, Persimmons, Grapes/Raisins, Alcohol, Onions, Coffee & Grounds, Tea, Potato Peelings,  Nutmeg, Mushrooms, Garlic, Avocados, Nuts, Salt, Raw Eggs or Fish, Most Bones, Baking Soda/Powder, and Sugar Free Foods Containing Xylitol. Keep household garbage in securely closed trash cans. For some reason dogs seem to find garbage in plastic trash bags absolutely irresistible and they can easily rip them open in search of “goodies”. However, rotting food can be harboring nasty bacteria and molds that could cause your dog to suffer from food poisoning. Health & Beauty ProductsUnless 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.Health and beauty products found in most bathrooms, such as toothpaste, nail care products, skin lotions, and even some scented soaps can cause diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting. Also, since dogs seem to love to drink from toilet bowls, keep those lids closed. Harsh chemicals used in toilet bowl cleaners may be hazardous for your dog.Toxic PlantsSome 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:Schefflera, Lilies, Tulip and Narcissus Bulbs, Oleander, Azalea, Hydrangea, Hibiscus, Cyclamen, Yew, Amaryllis, Autumn Crocus, Pothos, Rhododendron, English Ivy, Sago Palm, and ChrysanthemumThe ASPCA provides a very useful data base of plants, both toxic and non-toxic, on their website. As it is searchable, it is easy to use and will help to identify plants in your home than can be dangerous. The data base can be found at http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/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. –  Paints and Solvents –  Small objects that fall on the floor can be easily swallowed by a curious dog.  Such items as coins, small toys, jewelry, screws, nails, buttons, batteries, etc. may result in internal injuries and may require surgery to remove them. –  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.  –  Strings, ribbons, and similar items can damage your dog’s intestines and could be fatal if not surgically removed.–  Tobacco Products–  Electrical cords should be covered and blocked to prevent access. Chewing on a live wire could prove deadly. WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG IS POISONEDDo Not Delay!  Speedy action is critical for the treatment of accidental poisoning. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-425-4435. Be ready to state 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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