It goes without saying that we all want those we care about to be safe and comfortable in our homes. Unfortunately, many of the products that are on our shelves, in our cupboards, or otherwise lying around–some of them seemingingly innocuous–can be dangerous for dogs, cats and other pets.

Eliminating or minimizing such threats is akin to baby-proofing your home. Indeed, dogs, for example, are like children in certain respects, notorious for putting all sorts of things in their mouths. They don’t know the difference between what’s good for them and what’s not–and they certainly can’t read warning labels–so it’s up to us to keep them safe. Sad to say, if we had a nickel for every time we stuck a finger in a pet’s mouth to make him spit something out, we’d all be rich.

Practically speaking, we need to make adjustments to household routines and take extra precautions, many of which can literally mean the difference between your pet’s life and death (which doesn’t even account for what it might cost you to keep him alive). To make things simpler and safer for you and the animals in the family, we’ve compiled a list of the potentially dangerous items that are often found around the house.

Foodstuffs

1. Chocolate. Most pet parents probably know about this one already, but we have included it because so many of us seem to be chocoholics. Theobromine, the toxic ingredient in chocolate, is a compound that humans metabolize fairly easily, but that dogs process much more slowly, which can allow dangerous amounts to accumulate in their systems. Keep in mind that milk chocolate has less theobromine than the dark variety, while baking chocolate has the most.
2. Grapes and raisins. Researchers don’t quite know why these fruits are so bad for dogs, but their toxic properties have been well documented. Among other things, they have been known to cause acute kidney failure in dogs; in fact, reports indicate that other animals, including cats and ferrets, have also been affected. Among the symptoms that have been seen in animals are diarrhea, abnormal drinking or urination, and lethargy.
3. Onions and garlic. If you love to cook Italian or Greek food, it’s a good bet that you’ll have one or both of these pungent vegetables somewhere in the kitchen. Unfortunately, both contain a chemical called thiosulphate, which, according to Wikipedia, is “an oxyanion of sulfur.” It is also toxic to some animals and can lead to emolytic anemia in dogs (and cats).
4. Yeast. Because of the ethanol that is naturally present in this fungus (yes, that’s what it is), leavened and unbaked yeast can give your dog a terrible stomachache–in fact, it might also get him a little tipsy and expose him to other risks. If, for example, you leave bread rising out in the open, make sure it’s in a place where your pet can’t get to it.
5. Alcohol. Many people enjoy a glass of wine or a beer now and then, but when it comes to your pet, alcohol is a definite no-no. For some animals, including kittens, even a small amount of the stuff can have deadly consequences. Under the circumstances, you’ll want to ensure your liquor cabinet is well secured and that your pet remains totally teetotal.
6. Macadamia nuts. Many animals have a liking for nuts. Like humans, they probably enjoy the crunchy texture and savory taste. However, some of the varieties we enjoy munching on can be toxic to dogs, in particular. According to the American Kennel Club, the consequences of ingesting this nut can be severe, and can include vomiting, ataxia, weakness, hyperthermia, and depression.
7. Chicken bones. Let’s face it: chicken has become the protein of choice for many or us, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for our pets. While raw chicken bones, for instance, might be viewed as a safe addition to your dog’s diet, the cooked variety can be quite dangerous. That’s because they can splinter and puncture your dog’s insides, causing bleeding that can leave them in a precarious state.

Medicines

Many, if not most, pharmaceutical products made for human consumption are toxic to animals, especially if taken in sufficiently large quantities. While some can be beneficial–small doses of Benadryl, for example, may help dogs suffering from allergies–they should be kept well out of reach, preferably in a locked cabinet. This is especially true for those Houdini-like pets, who always manage to wiggle their way into trouble.

Even drugs that are made for animals and prescribed by a veterinarian should be kept in a secure place. A dog or cat has no sense of dosages or safety, especially if it involves a product that that tastes good–like some heartworm preventives do–and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him try to gobble up the whole package. As with humans, overdosing on most things tends not to be good for one’s health and wellbeing.

Household products

The medicines you have around the house are not the only things you should be concerned about. Many of the products that help keep us and our homes clean and healthy contain dangerous chemicals and other potentially toxic ingredients that can cause considerable harm if used in the wrong way–including being eaten by a curious pet. Below are just a few examples:

1. Cleaning supplies. Liquid bleach, antibacterial spray, laundry detergent, hand soap and other household cleaning products can all pose a threat if your little one ingests them (or, in some cases, even comes into close contact with them). In general, it’s a good idea to read what’s on the label–if it’s dangerous to your dog, cat or other little one, the manufacturer will often say so. Regardless, it is better to be extra cautious than to risk having your pet fall victim to what should be an avoidable risk.
2. Pest control products. Many of these products come across as enticing or are inherently designed to appeal to animals. Needless to say, they can have deadly consequences if consumed by a dog, cat or other pet. Oftentimes, people will store them in the garage or outside the main living areas as a safety precaution, but for the nonhuman members of your family, this might mean they are easier to get at than you might have hoped.
3. Antifreeze. This additive is often stored in the garage, especially during winter, when the temperature is falling and there’s snow on the ground. Unfortunately, ethylene glycol, the ingredient that makes it taste sweet, is a poison that can affect the brain, liver and kidneys, and which can be fatal to humans and animals alike. Needless to say, it should be kept well away from those who might be tempted to take a swig.

Plants

Although a cat is more apt to chew on a plant than a dog, it’s not a risk worth taking in either case. Not all flora is bad for pets, of course–after all, many dogs can’t get by for long without munching on a few blades of grass. However, that doesn’t necessarily hold true in other cases; research (and bad experiences) suggest that certain flowers and plants are clearly a threat. Below is a list of common household plants that are known to be toxic to canines:

• Philodendron
• Pothos
• Jade
• Ivy
• Aloe Vera
• Dumb Cane or Leopard Lily
• Corn Plants
• Asparagus Fern

Those that can be dangerous to felines include the following:

• Azaleas and Rhododendron
• Chrysanthemum
• English Ivy
• Lilies
• Oleander
• Spanish thyme
• Tulip and Narcissus bulbs
• Yew

It can be difficult, of course, to know just what is harmful and what isn’t–the lists above barely cover the topic. Nevertheless, as with an infant or a rambunctious toddler, you’ll likely want to cordon off any part of your home containing items that might pose a threat. In this case, keeping doors and closets shut, putting up gates, and installing baby-proof locks, as well as keeping a watchful eye on your pet, can go some way toward helping to ensure your dog, cat or other pet remains out of harm’s way.

Otherwise, if your pet should somehow manage to eat or drink the wrong thing, make sure you have details handy on who to call or where to look in case of such an emergency. Aside from your veterinarian, the ASPCA, among others, has a Animal Poison Control hotline. You’ll also find other helpful information on the Keep Pet Safe “Other Pet-Related Resources” page.

The post Keeping Your Pet Safe in the Home appeared first on Keep Pet Safe.