Hazardous Household Items

Although we worry about our pets chewing shoes, furniture and carpets, there are many other household items to keep from your pets. Although chewing your shoes and furniture seem like a major problem, the following household products/items may cause harm to your animal.

• Some common household items that you should watch out for are mothballs, potpourri oils, coffee grounds, homemade play dough, fabric softener sheets, dishwashing detergent, batteries, cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, pennies and hand and foot warmers. These items can cause, sickness, injury, or choking hazard.

• Another common household item that may possibly be deadly to your pet are medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. To avoid possible ingestion of these items, always store these items in either a locked cabinet or one you pet cannot open, that is out of reach to him/her. Even vitamins and supplements intended for human use may be harmful. Painkillers, cold medicines, antidepressants, vitamins and diet pills can be lethal to animals, even in small doses.

• Make sure to read all of the information provided on packages before bringing them in the home. Just because a label says a product is safe for dogs, does not mean it is safe for cats and visa-versa.
• Be aware of the plants and flowers you have in your house. Even though they may be visually appealing, they could be poisonous to your animal if ingested (sometimes even if they come in contact with skin). Poisonous Plants

• Be careful not to walk your pets in yards or lawns that have been freshly treated with fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides. Also make certain to keep these products in a locked/ closed cabinet out of your pet’s reach. If you are uncertain about the usage of any product, ask the manufacturer and/or your veterinarian for instructions.
• Be alert for antifreeze/coolant leaking from your vehicle as well as neighborhood vehicles. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste and ingesting just a small amount can cause an animal's death.  Consider using animal-friendly products that use propylene glycol rather than those containing ethylene glycol.

• When using rat, mouse, snail or slug baits, or ant or roach traps, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your pet. Some bait contains sweet smelling inert ingredients, such as jelly, peanut butter or sugar that can attract your pets.

• In case of emergency contact the ANIMAL POISON CONTROL CENTER
  888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435)

**The author of this article accepts no responsibility for misdiagnosis. If you have any questions about the information listed above, contact your veterinarian or animal poison control center. This is an informational article only and is not intended to replace regular veterinary care. **