Is Your Dog Safe 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.
Household Cleaning Products
While many household cleaning products can be used safely around dogs, it is essential that proper storage and use directions be followed. Product labels normally include appropriate warnings when their use presents a potential hazard. Check labels for statements such as “keep children and pets away from area until thoroughly dry”. While cleaners containing chlorine bleach are useful for disinfecting household surfaces when used safely, they can cause severe chemical burns when skin contact is made and may prove deadly if swallowed. Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and stomach upset are typical symptoms of ingestion of these products.
Cleaning products should be stored in their original packaging if they can be resealed. If resealing is not possible, transfer the products to a properly labeled container that can be securely closed.
Insecticides and Herbicides
Keep 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 when ingested can result in a life-threatening situation. It is critical to keep these products well sealed and in a location that is completely inaccessible to your dog.
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 Avoid
A number of foods that are not only safe, but that are even considered healthy choices for humans, can be dangerous or even deadly to dogs. Keep the following foods out of your dog’s diet:
Alcohol, Yeast Dough, Chewing Gum, Persimmons, Raw Eggs or Fish, Nutmeg, Mushrooms, Grapes/Raisins, Chocolate, Onions, Coffee & Grounds, Tea, Garlic, Avocados, Nuts, Salt, Potato Peelings, Most Bones, Baking Soda/Powder, and Sugar Free Foods Containing Xylitol.
Dogs seem to find garbage in plastic trash bags irresistible, perhaps because they are so easy to tear into. Rotting food may contain mold and bacteria that could result in illness. Be sure to keep garbage in securely closed trash cans to avoid health hazards - not to mention the mess!
Hazards in the Bathroom
Medications that are intended to treat human medical conditions can make dogs very sick. Never give your dog any medicines unless your veterinarian specifically instructs you to do so. Keep all drugs in tightly closed, secured containers well away from curious dogs. Especially dangerous common over-the-counter medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, antihistamines, cold medicines, vitamins, diet pills, and topical creams/ointments.
Other health and beauty products such as skin lotions, toothpaste, nail care products and even some soaps can cause vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain so keep them secured and out of reach. Also remember to keep toilet lids closed. Dogs seem to love drinking from toilet bowls but if they do so it can be risky due to chemicals in toilet bowl cleaning products.
Toxic Plants
Some 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 Chrysanthemum
The ASPCA website has a very useful searchable data base of both non-toxic and toxic plants for dogs, cats, and horses. Visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/ to access their system.
Miscellaneous 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.
– 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.
– Strings, ribbons, and similar items can damage your dog’s intestines and could be fatal if not surgically removed.
– Tobacco Products
– Strings, ribbons, and similar items can damage your dog’s intestines and could be fatal if not surgically removed.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG IS POISONED
Do Not Delay! Quick action is essential for successful treatment of accidental poisoning. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-425-4435. Be ready to provide 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.