In order to keep your canine pal safe at home it is important to become familiar with the common household substances and items that can be dangerous – even fatal – if ingested. This list is not all-inclusive but it does contain information on some of the dangers typically found in homes.

Home Cleaning Products

Household 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 avoid accidents with cleaning products be sure to keep them in their original packaging if they can be tightly sealed. Packages that cannot be re-sealed should be stored in a properly labeled sealed container.

Herbicides, Insecticides and Other Pest Control Products

Flea and tick control products intended for external application should be kept safely out of reach to avoid ingestion or over exposure. As with cleaning products, read label directions carefully before using as these are poisonous chemicals that must be used only as directed.

Ingestion of mouse and rat poisons can be life-threatening. These products must be kept well sealed and out of of harm’s way.

Other insecticides and herbicides, fertilizers, weed killers and the like also pose a serious threat to your dog’s health if ingested. When these substances are applied to lawns be sure to keep your dog away from the treated area in accordance with the time period recommended by the manufacturer. When exposed to wet or granular chemicals, skin reactions may occur. Also, if the chemicals stick to your dog’s paws, he may lick it off and be sickened.

Human Foods Dogs Should Avoid

Some foods that are perfectly fine for human consumption can be dangerous – even deadly – to dogs. No matter how much he begs, these foods should never be given to your pooch:

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.

Rotting food found in garbage may contain bacteria that could produce food poisoning. Be sure to keep garbage in securely closed trash cans. Dogs find garbage in plastic trash bags particularly tempting and they can easily tear open the bags looking for “goodies”.

Bathroom Hazards

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 bathroom products such as toothpaste, skin lotions, and some soaps can cause stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea so keep them out of reach as well. Also, keep toilet lids closed so that your dog does not drink toilet bowl water that has been treated with cleaning chemicals.

Hazardous 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:

Rhododendron, English Ivy, Sago Palm, Cyclamen, Yew, Amaryllis, Autumn Crocus, Pothos, Chrysanthemum, Schefflera, Lilies, Tulip and Narcissus Bulbs, Oleander, Azalea, Hydrangea and Hibiscus

A complete data base of both toxic and non-toxic plants is available at the ASPCA website. It is a terrific searchable tool for researching the plants your pets may ingest. Please 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

– Tobacco products

– 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.

– 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.

– 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 PET IS POISONED

Do Not Delay! Time is very critical 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. Have the product container or a sample of the plant at hand so that the poison can be correctly identified and an appropriate treatment can be recommended.