Pet Hazards in Your Home

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Household Items That Are Hazardous to Your Pets

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Chocolate, grapes, coffee, Tylenol, bleach, and batteries are pretty standard items found in most homes. They seem harmless enough, but if your pets get a hold of them, they can be extremely dangerous to their health. There are many items found in homes that pets should not be allowed near, some of them are obvious and some, not so much. So whether you're bringing home a pet for the first time, or moving with your pet, make sure that these stay far out of their reach.

Human foods

There is a reason that you aren't supposed to feed your pets people food.  Different animals have different dietary restrictions, but it is best to avoid these foods altogether.
  • Alcohol- Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death.
  • Avocado- Mostly a problem for birds, rabbits, donkeys, horses, sheep and goats--it can cause cardiovascular damage in birds and swollen head and neck in horses, donkeys and ruminants.
  • Chocolate and coffee- These contain methylxanthines which are found in cacao seeds and the fruit of the coffee plant. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and death. The darker the chocolate, the worse for your pets.
  • Citrus- The fruit, peel, stem, and leaves of citrus plants contain citric acid and oils that can cause irritation and central nervous system depression in pets if a large amount is eaten. The fruit alone is not likely to cause anything other than an upset stomach.
  • Coconut- Coconut and coconut products contain oils that cause upset stomach, loose stools or diarrhea it ingested in large amounts. Coconut water is high in potassium so it should also not be given to your pet.
  • Grapes- The toxic substance is unknown, but can cause kidney failure in dogs.
  • Macadamia nuts- Causes weakness, depression, vomiting and hypothermia in dogs. Symptoms show up within 12 hours of ingestion and can last up to 48 hours.
  • Milk and dairy- Like most adults, pets are lactose intolerant. They do not have the enzyme lactase to break down the lactose in dairy which can cause diarrhea or other digestive problems.
  • Nuts- Specifically almonds, pecans and walnuts are high in oils and fats that can cause vomiting, diarrhea and potentially pancreatitis.
  • Onions, garlic, and chives- These can cause gastrointestinal irritation and lead to red blood cell damage. Cats are effected the most, but dogs are at risk too if enough is ingested.
  • Raw meat, eggs, and bones- Raw animal products can contain Salmonella and E. Coli that are harmful to pets and humans. Raw eggs contain avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin which can lead to skin and coat problems. Raw bones are very dangerous to domestic pets because they can choke or the bone could splinter and get stuck in their digestive tracts.
  • Salty food- Large amounts of salt can cause excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms of too much salt include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and death. 
  • Xylitol- Commonly used as a sweetener in candy, gum and toothpaste, it can cause insulin release which can lead to liver failure. It can also cause hypoglycemia. Signs include vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination and can progress to seizures.
  • Yeast dough- Yeast can rise in your pet's digestive system causing gas to accumulate. The stomach will bloat and potentially twist which is a life threatening emergency. Yeast produces ethanol which can ultimately make your pet drunk.

Household chemicals

If you wouldn't want your child to come into contact with these chemicals, you wouldn't want your pets to either. Consuming any of these products can become a life threatening emergency for your pets.
  • Antifreeze that contains Ethylene Glycol- Antifreeze has a sweet taste that attracts animals but is extremely deadly. One teaspoon can kill a seven-pound cat. Use an antifreeze that contains propylene glycol instead--it's safe for pets if ingested in small amounts.
  • De-icing salts- These are paw irritants that can be deadly if licked off. Wash and dry your pet's paws thoroughly after playing in the snow.
  • Fertilizer and plant food- These are easily accessible to animals playing outside and can be extremely fatal. Always supervise pets playing on a fertilized lawn.
  • Cleaning products- Bleach, Windex ,and bathroom cleaners can all cause health problems in pets if ingested. Keep these in high places where they can't get into them.
  • Pesticides- For rodents, the anticoagulants and phosphorus meant to get rid of rats, can have devastating effects on your pets. Even if insect traps have non-toxic bait, they can be a choking hazard if swallowed.
  • Detergent and dryer sheets- These can cause ulcers in the mouth, esophagus and stomach of dogs and cats.
  • Batteries- These are extremely toxic to dogs and cats and cause ulcers in the mouth, esophagus and stomach.
  • Acetaminophen- This OTC drug (the generic name for Tylenol) can cause liver damage in dogs. Cats are more sensitive--a single 325 mg tablet can cause anemia and be fatal to a 10-pound cat.

Choking hazards

Pets, like babies, like to chew on things. It is important to keep small objects away from them to avoid choking and intestinal blockages. Make sure that if you find these things around your home, you scoop them up before your pet does.
  • Toys with movable parts
  • Stuffed animals with plastic eyes
  • String and yarn
  • Rubber bands
  • Dental floss
  • Plastic wrap
  • Coins
No matter how careful you are, accidents happen. Keep the numbers for poison control and your veterinarian on hand in case of an emergency.

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on June 22, 2016

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