Pet Toxins Powegians Should Watch for Inside and Outdoors

By Katie Woolsey, The Escondido Humane Society

Our homes are supposed be safe havens for our pets. But there are dangers lurking inside—and some may surprise you! Below is a list of some common household hazards and tips on how to keep your pets safe.

What to watch for outside:

Antifreeze: The ethylene glycol in antifreeze has a sweet taste that could attract your dog or cat. Even a small amount of antifreeze can prove deadly if consumed, so look for an antifreeze that contains propylene glycol, which is safe for animals if ingested in small amounts.

Pesticides: Chemicals used on lawns and gardens, such as plant food, fertilizer, herbicides, and snail and slug bait, can be toxic to pets. If you do use chemicals, keep your pets away from the area altogether and make sure they are supervised. When using pesticides, opt for the mildest ones and keep your pets away from the area until the intensity wears off. There also are organic pest control methods that will eliminate pests while keeping your pets safe, including using insects that feed on pests.

Plants: There are many indoor and outdoor plants that pose a risk to our pets. Click here for more tips on pet-proofing your garden.

Cocoa mulch: Mulch made from cocoa is particularly toxic to dogs. Safe alternatives include pine or hemlock mulches.

Traps and poisons: Rats and mice can be a threat to you and your pets because they carry disease, but beware how you get rid of them. Many pest-control companies offer pet-friendly options, and there are humane traps available for purchase.

What to watch for inside:

Forbidden foods: Many foods that we enjoy are dangerous to our pets, including chocolate, grapes and onions. Click here for a list of foods to look out for.

Medications: Human medications such as painkillers (including aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen), cold medicines and vitamins can all be toxic to our pets. Also beware of veterinary medications, which can cause damage if ingested in large quantities. Treat medications like you would if you had a child in your home: keep them out of your pet’s reach and quickly dispose of any dropped pills.

Mothballs and cedar chips: If you use these items to store your clothes make sure they are out of your pet’s reach. Cats in particular are sensitive to the toxic effects of mothballs, but dogs are more likely to ingest them. If you’re worried about using mothballs, opt instead to store your clothes in plastic containers.

Detergents and fabric softener sheets: Fabric softener sheets are especially dangerous the more detergent they contain, so they’re more harmful when unused.  

Household cleaners: Bleach, drain cleaners, ammonia and toilet bowl cleaners can cause ulcers and other health problems, so keep them out of your pet’s reach.

Whatnots: Items such as string, yarn, rubber bands and dental floss can cause intestinal blockages if ingested. Batteries are another item that can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Toys: My dog Blue loves to play with squeaky tennis balls, but he always pulls out the squeaker—which could cause a choking hazard. Always supervise your dogs when they play with squeaky toys or stuffed animals with plastic parts so they can’t ingest small pieces. Also beware of rawhide chews, which can also pose a choking hazard.

Coins: Coins are small enough to ingest but large enough to cause an intestinal blockage or choking hazard. Metal coins also can cause zinc toxicity, which leads to anemia or liver, kidney or heart failure.

Non-stick cooking spray: If you are a bird pet parent, be sure to use pump or aerosol sprays away from your feathered friend and in a well-ventilated area.

If you think your pet may have ingested something harmful, take action immediately by contacting your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680. The helpline does have a fee, but it might be a small price to pay if it saves your pet’s life.