Dogs are beloved members of many families, and it’s important to keep them safe and healthy. However, there are a number of household items that can be dangerous or even deadly for dogs if ingested. Here are five common household items that you should be aware of and keep out of reach of your furry friend:
Medications
Medications are an essential part of human healthcare, but they can be dangerous or even deadly for dogs if ingested. It is important to keep medications out of reach of our furry friends and to be aware of the common medications that can be toxic to them.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – This is a common pain reliever used by humans. However, it can be toxic to dogs, even in small doses. It can cause liver damage and can be fatal if not treated immediately.
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) – This is another common pain reliever used by humans. It can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure in dogs.
- Antidepressants – Many antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) can be toxic to dogs. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures if ingested in large amounts.
- Blood pressure medications – ACE inhibitors and beta blockers, commonly used to control blood pressure in humans, can be toxic to dogs. They can cause low blood pressure, which can lead to collapse and even death.
- Cold and flu medications – Many over-the-counter cold and flu medications contain ingredients that can be toxic to dogs. This includes pseudoephedrine and dextromethorphan.
- Sleeping aids – Medications like Zolpidem (Ambien) and Eszopiclone (Lunesta) can cause sedation, disorientation, and even seizures in dogs.
If you suspect your dog has ingested any medication, it is important to call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately. Do not induce vomiting or give any treatments without consulting a veterinarian first. It is also important to keep all medications in a secure place, out of reach of your dog and to be aware of the expiration date of the medication.
Household cleaners
Many common cleaning products contain chemicals that can be toxic to dogs if ingested. These include bleach, ammonia, and drain cleaners. Be sure to keep these products out of reach of your dog and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Household cleaners are an essential part of keeping our homes clean and sanitary, but they can be dangerous or even deadly for dogs if ingested. It is important to keep these cleaners out of reach of our furry friends and to be aware of the common household cleaners that can be toxic to them.
- Bleach – Bleach is a common household cleaner that is used to sanitize and disinfect surfaces. However, it can be toxic to dogs if ingested. It can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, and can even cause chemical burns to the skin.
- Ammonia – Ammonia is a common ingredient in many glass and window cleaners. It can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, and can even cause damage to the lungs if inhaled in large amounts.
- Drain cleaners – Drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals like sulfuric acid, which can be toxic to dogs if ingested. These chemicals can cause severe burns to the mouth and throat, and can even lead to death if not treated immediately.
- Furniture polish – Many furniture polishes contain ingredients that can be toxic to dogs if ingested. These ingredients can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, and can even cause damage to the liver and kidneys.
- Oven cleaner – Oven cleaners contain strong chemicals that can be toxic to dogs if ingested. These chemicals can cause burns to the mouth and throat and can even lead to death if not treated immediately.
It’s important to keep these household cleaners out of reach of your dog, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. If you suspect your dog has ingested any household cleaner, it’s important to call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately. Be sure to have the cleaner’s label and container, so you can provide the necessary information to the veterinarian.
Food items
There are a number of food items that can be toxic to dogs, including chocolate, grapes, and raisins. Additionally, many dogs are allergic to certain types of food, such as wheat or corn. Be sure to read labels and be aware of any foods that may be harmful to your dog.
As pet owners, we want to give our furry friends the best care possible, including providing them with a healthy diet. However, there are certain food items that can be toxic and even deadly for dogs if ingested. It is important to be aware of these foods and to keep them out of reach of our pets.
- Chocolate – Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that can be toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate have the highest levels of theobromine, while milk chocolate has lower levels. Ingestion of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures.
- Grapes and Raisins – Grapes and raisins can be toxic to dogs, and even small amounts can cause kidney failure. Symptoms of grape or raisin toxicity can include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Alcohol – Alcohol can be toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Ingestion of alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even coma or death.
- Onions and Garlic – Both onions and garlic contain compounds that can be toxic to dogs and can cause damage to their red blood cells, leading to anemia. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties.
- Avocados – Avocados contain persin, a compound that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The leaves, fruit, and bark of the avocado tree also contain persin, so it is best to keep your dog away from avocados altogether.
- Cooked Bones – Cooked bones can splinter and cause blockage or tears in a dog’s digestive system. It’s best to avoid giving your dog any kind of cooked bones, whether they come from meat, poultry, or fish.
- Xylitol – Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free gums, mints, and baked goods. It can cause a rapid insulin release in dogs, which can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Symptoms include vomiting, loss of coordination, and seizures.
It is important to always supervise your dog while they are eating and to keep these potentially toxic foods out of reach. If you suspect your dog has ingested any of these foods, it is important to call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.
Plants
As pet owners, it’s important to be aware of household plants that can be toxic and even deadly for our furry friends. While many houseplants are safe for dogs, others can cause serious health problems if ingested. Here are five common household plants that can be dangerous for dogs:
- Sago Palm – Sago palms are a popular indoor and outdoor plant, but they are highly toxic to dogs. The seeds and fronds of the plant contain cycasin, a toxic substance that can cause liver failure and even death. Symptoms of sago palm poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Lilies – Many types of lilies, including the popular peace lily and calla lily, are toxic to dogs. Ingesting even small amounts of the plant can cause serious kidney damage and even failure. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
- Dieffenbachia – Dieffenbachia, also known as dumb cane, is a common houseplant that is toxic to dogs. The plant’s leaves and stem contain needle-like crystals called raphides that can cause severe irritation to the mouth and throat, leading to drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
- Philodendron – Philodendron is a popular houseplant, but it can be toxic to dogs. The plant’s leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause burning and irritation of the mouth and throat, leading to drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
- Oleander – Oleander is a popular outdoor plant that is toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant contain toxic compounds called cardiac glycosides that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even heart problems.
It is important to keep these plants out of reach of your dog and to supervise them when they are in the same room as these plants. If you suspect your dog has ingested any of these plants, it is important to call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.
Be aware of household plants that can be toxic to dogs and to take the necessary precautions to keep them safe. Accidents can happen, but by being prepared and knowing what to do in case of emergency, we can help ensure the health and well-being of our beloved furry friends.
Rodenticides
Rodenticides, or rat poison, are commonly used in households and gardens to control rodent populations. However, these products can also be dangerous and even deadly for dogs if ingested. It is important to be aware of the risks associated with these products and to take the necessary precautions to keep our furry friends safe.
- Anticoagulant Rodenticides – These types of rodenticides work by interfering with the normal blood clotting process in rodents, leading to death from internal bleeding. They are commonly found in baits, but can also be found in liquid and grain form. The active ingredients in these products can include warfarin, brodifacoum, bromadiolone, and difenacoum. Ingestion of these products can cause symptoms such as bleeding from the nose, blood in the urine, and bruising.
- Cholecalciferol Rodenticides – This type of rodenticide works by causing hypercalcemia, or high levels of calcium in the blood, which leads to kidney failure. Cholecalciferol is a Vitamin D3 analog, it is commonly found in baits and liquid form. Ingestion of this product can cause symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, and kidney failure.
- Bromethalin Rodenticides – This type of rodenticide works by causing swelling of the brain, leading to neurological symptoms. Bromethalin is commonly found in baits and liquid form. Ingestion of this product can cause symptoms such as depression, muscle tremors, seizures, and even death.
It is important to keep these products out of reach of dogs and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using them. If you suspect your dog has ingested a rodenticide, it is important to call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.
Be aware of the risks associated with rodenticides and to take the necessary precautions to keep our furry friends safe. Accidents can happen, but by being prepared and knowing what to do in case of emergency, we can help ensure the health and well-being of our beloved pets.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to keep these household items out of reach of your dog to keep them safe. Additionally, it’s a good idea to be familiar with the signs of toxicity and know what to do in case of an emergency. Keep your dog’s vet’s number handy and always be ready to contact them in case of an emergency. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your dog is safe and healthy.
