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Household Hazards for Our Furry Friends
Household Hazards for Our Furry Friends
The typical home contains a myriad of potential hazards. Some houseplants, household items and foods have the capacity to harm our pets. In most cases, the size of the dog will play a role in the toxic severity of the item—the smaller the dog, the greater the potential impact. Below is a list of the most common toxic household items. If your dog ingests any of these, contact your veterinarian immediately. Aloe
Plants
Some plants found in and around the home can pose a potential threat to our four-legged friends. If you have any of these plants, consider moving them out of reach or removing them altogether. Sometimes the scent or texture of a plant will entice our dogs to nibble them. Even a dead, dry plant can cause harm to your dogs. Here is a list of the most common toxic household plants.
Amaryllis
Andromeda Japonica
Asian Lily
Asparagus Fern
Australian Nut
Autumn Crocus
Azalea
Belladonna
Bird of Paradise
Bittersweet
Black Locust
Branching Ivy
Buckeye
Buddhist Pine
Caladium
Calla Lily
Castor Bean
Ceriman
Clematis
Cordatum
Corn Plant
Cycads
Cyclamen
Daffodil
Day Lily
Devil’s Ivy
Dieffenbachia
Dumbcane
Easter Lily
Elephant Ears
Emerald Fern
English Ivy
Eucalyptus
Ferns
Fiddle-leaf Philodendron
Gold Dust Dracaena
Florida Beauty
Foxglove
Glacier Ivy
Gladiolas
Golden Pathos
Heavenly Bamboo
Honeysuckle
Hurricane Plant
Hyacinth
Hydrangea
Iris
Jerusalem Cherry
Jimson Weed
Kalanchoe
Lantana
All Ilium speciesLantana
All Ilium species
Lily of the Valley
Lupine
Marble Queen
Morning Glory
Mother-in-Law
Mountain Laurel
Narcissus
Needlepoint Ivy
Nephthysis
Nightshade
Oleander
Panda
Peace Lily
Philodendron
Poison Hemlock
Precatory Bean (Rosary Pea)
Privet
Red Emerald
Rhododendron
Ribbon Plant
Sago Palm
Satin Pathos
Schefflera
Striped Dracaena
Sweetheart Ivy
Tulip
Water Hemlock
Wisteria
Yew
Yucca
Household Items
Some of our everyday products can be harmful to our dogs if they are ingested or even if they come in contact with their skin. Make your home a safe and healthy environment by keeping these items out of reach.
All medication, including pain killers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, etc.)
Antifreeze (engine coolant)
Bleach
Cold & flu medications
Detergents
Diet pills
Disinfectants
Drain cleaner
Fabric softener
Fly bait
Lighter fluid
Mothballs
Pesticides
Potpourri
Rat and mouse poison
Slug and snail bait
Solvents (turpentine, paint thinners, etc.)
Tobacco products
Vitamins
Foods
While it is sometimes fun to share bits of our food, there are some foods you should never give to your dog. Here is a list of some potentially hazardous foods.
Alcoholic beverages
Avocados
Candy
Chocolate and cocoa
Coffee (caffeine)
Fatty foods
Garlic
Grapes
Gum (Any product containing xylitol)
Macadamia nuts
Moldy or spoiled foods
Onions or onion powder
Poultry bones
Raisins
Raw dough
Salt
Tea leaves
Prevention is the key to keeping your home safe and healthy for your dog. Knowing ahead of time what can harm your dog will aid you if an emergency does occur. Removing these potentially hazardous products can prove to be the best option in avoiding an emergency. However, if your dog does come in contact with any of these substances, it’s important to stay calm. Don’t panic. Most of these toxins cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, lethargy and/or depression. If treated quickly, there are usually no long-term effects. However, some of these toxins may have harsher side effects, such as tremors, seizures, liver and kidney failure, heart abnormalities, and even death. In an emergency, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible; he or she will have all the tools needed to diagnose and treat your dog. If it is after hours, you can contact poison control or your local animal emergency center. With proper precautions, you will be able to avoid an emergency.
NOTE: For additional safety, always check with your veterinarian for other toxic items and dangers common to your area.
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