When you are a pet owner, you only want to protect your furry friend and keep them as healthy as possible. Your pet is curious about everything they encounter and has an uncanny knack for finding stray items, things that might be tasty, and other potentially harmful objects. How can you protect your pet from items that might cause them harm? To find out, read our Santa Monica Veterinary Group discussion on common household items of which you should be aware so you can protect your furry friend from harm.

Household items that are hazardous to pets

Many household items can cause problems for your furry pal. In fact, they are innumerable. If your pet ingests or comes into contact with a household hazard, sometimes they may develop a mild reaction, such as gastrointestinal (GI) upset. However, some items can cause life-threatening conditions. The most dangerous household items to pets include the following:

  • Human medications — Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medication ingestion are one of the chief pet poisoning causes each year. Keep medications securely stored in cabinets or drawers out of your pet’s reach.
  • Household cleaners — Cleaning products, such as bleach, disinfectants, and toilet bowl tablets, contain chemicals that can harm pets if they ingest or inhale them. Use pet-safe cleaning products or ensure that areas are well-ventilated and inaccessible to pets while you clean.
  • Chocolate — Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs and cats. If your pet ingests a small amount, they can experience vomiting, diarrhea, and rapid breathing, and, if they eat a large amount of chocolate, your furry pal can experience seizures and die. Keep chocolate and cocoa products out of pets’ reach. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate contain high theobromine and caffeine levels, making them more toxic to your four-legged friend.
  • Xylitol — Xylitol is a popular sugar substitute often used in sugar-free gums, candies, and some peanut butters. This chemical can cause a rapid insulin release in dogs, leading to hypoglycemia (i.e., low blood sugar), seizures, and liver failure. Keep all xylitol-containing products safely away from your pet.
  • Houseplants — Some houseplants can harm your pet if your furry pal ingests them. Many common houseplants are toxic, including:
    • Lilies
    • Poinsettias
    • Philodendrons
    • Azaleas
    • Yews
    • Sage palms
    • Cyclamens
    • Oleanders
    • Rhododendrons 

Before bringing home any plants, research whether they are toxic to pets by consulting the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list. 

  • Small objects — Small items left around the house can pique your curious pet’s interest. If they swallow something small, they can develop an intestinal blockage, choking, or toxicity. Ensure you remove any of the following items from the floor or low tables to prevent a pet emergency:
    • Sewing thread and yarn
    • Curling ribbon
    • Batteries
    • Coins
    • Paper clips
    • Small plastic bags
    • Rubber bands
    • Hair ties
    • Batteries
    • Keys
    • Pushpins
    • Nails
  • Antifreeze — Ethylene glycol, a chemical in antifreeze and some windshield deicing products, is highly toxic to pets. Even if your pet laps up a small amount of these products, your four-legged friend can quickly experience kidney failure and die. Clean up spills immediately, and store antifreeze in tightly sealed containers away from pets. Supervise your pet while on a walk to prevent them from drinking from puddles and other areas where antifreeze may be present.
  • Grapes and raisins — While surprising to many pet owners, grapes and raisins, as well as currants, are highly toxic to pets. Consuming even one grape or raisin can prove fatal for some pets, so ensure your furry pal is never given any grapes, raisins, or currants. The exact poisonous substance in these fruits has yet to be pinpointed. 
  • Electrical cords — Many pets, including puppies, kittens, and small mammals, like to chew. If your pet chews on a live electrical wire, they may be electrocuted or severely burned. Cover all electrical cords with cord protectors and store cords out of your pet’s reach when not in use. 

Pet-proofing your home

Everyone has many items in their homes that are dangerous to pets. To help protect your pet from harm, follow these pet-proofing tips:

  • Securely store harmful items — Install baby locks on drawers and cabinets where you store potential toxins.
  • Bring home nontoxic plants — Discard toxic houseplants and bring home pet-friendly, nontoxic varieties. 
  • Keep trash bins closed — Cover all open trash cans with sturdy, latched lids.
  • Cover electrical cords — Place cord covers on all electrical cords.
  • Store medications out of your pet’s reach — Store medications in a secure cabinet or on a high shelf, never on a bedside table, and do not give your pet human medication without your veterinarian’s guidance.
  • Be prepared — Save the numbers for Santa Monica Veterinary Group and the Pet Poison Helpline in your phone for quick access if your pet ingests a toxin.

By being aware of these common household hazards, you can take proactive steps to create a safe environment for your four-legged friend. If you have additional questions about household dangers or suspect your pet has ingested a toxin, contact our Santa Monica Veterinary Group team for immediate assistance.