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Every home contains a variety of everyday items and substances that can be dangerous or even fatal if ingested by dogs and cats. You can protect your pet's health by becoming aware of the most common health hazards found in many pet-owning households.

 
HAZARDS IN THE KITCHEN

Foods Many foods that are perfectly safe for humans could be harmful or potentially deadly to dogs and cats. To be safe, keep the following food items out of your pet's menu:

Coffee grounds
Grapes/raisins
Chocolate
Onions
Yeast dough
Tea
Macadamia nuts
Alcohol
Fatty foods
Salt
Avocado
Chewing gum
Candy
Breath fresheners        
Fruit seeds
Mushrooms
Rhubarb leaves
Spinach
Sugar
Tobacco
Bones                            

Always keep garbage out of a pet's reach, as rotting food contains molds or bacteria that could produce food poisoning.

Cleaning Products Many household cleaners can be used safely around cats and dogs. However, the key to safe use lies in reading and following product directions for proper use and storage. For instance, if the label states "keep pets and children away from area until dry," follow those directions to prevent possible health risks.
Products containing bleach can safely disinfect many household surfaces when used properly, but can cause stomach upset, drooling, vomiting or diarrhea, severe burns if swallowed and respiratory tract irritation can occur if inhaled in a high enough concentration. In addition, skin contact with concentrated solutions may produce serious chemical burns. Some detergents can produce a similar reaction, and cats can be particularly sensitive to certain ingredients such as phenols. As a general rule, store all cleaning products in a secure cabinet out of the reach of pets and keep them in their original packaging, or in a clearly labeled and tightly sealed container.
All aerosols containers
All cleaning agents
Lighter fluids
Bread "twisties"
Plastic wrap
Hot containers
Knives
Glass
Insecticides/Rodenticides: As with household cleaners, read and follow label instructions before using any type of pesticide in your pet's environment. For example, flea and tick products labeled "for use on dogs only" should not be applied to cats or other species, as serious or even life-threatening problems could result. Always consult with your veterinarian about the safe use of these products for your pet. If a pet ingests rat or mouse poison, potentially serious or even life-threatening illness can result. Therefore, when using any rodenticide, it is important to place the poison in areas completely inaccessible to pets.

HAZARDS IN THE BATHROOM

Medications that treat human medical conditions can make pets very sick. Never give your pet any medication unless directed by your veterinarian. As a rule, the following medicines should be tightly closed and stored in a secure cabinet above the counter and away from pets, plus several other items:
All perscription drugs
All over the counter drugs
Vitamins
Bath soaps
Hand soaps
Toothpaste
Sun blocks
Aftershave
Iodine
Cosmetics
Deodorants
Hand/body lotions
Nail polish & remover
Perfume
Shampoo
Cotton swabs
Hair pens
Dental floss
Razors
Keep toilet lids closed to prevent your pets from consuming treated toilet bowl water that could irritate their digestive tract.

HAZARDS IN THE BEDROOM AND LIVING ROOM

While they may smell good, many liquid potpourri products contain ingredients that can cause oral ulcerations and other problems, so keep them out of the reach of your pets. Just one mothball has the potential to sicken a dog or cat and mothballs that contain naphthalene can cause serious illness, including digestive tract irritation, liver, kidney and blood cell damage, swelling of the brain tissues, seizures, coma, respiratory tract damage (if inhaled) and even death (if ingested). Pennies (those minted after 1982 contain zinc) and alkaline batteries (like those in your remote controls) can also be hazardous when ingested.  There objects that are harmful and should be kept out of reach:

Glue
Scented candles
Pencil lead
Buttons
Jewelry
Nylons
Paper clips
Remote controls
Rubber bands
String & yarn
Scissors
Needles
Exposed wires
Computer disk
Movie/music CD's
Small children's toys

 
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HAZARDS IN THE GARAGE AND YARD

Antifreeze, Herbicides and Insecticides Ethylene glycol-containing antifreeze and coolants, even in small quantities, can be fatal to both dogs and cats. While antifreeze products containing propylene glycol are less toxic than those containing ethylene glycol, they can still be dangerous. In addition to antifreeze, other substances routinely stored in the garage including:
Insecticides
Plant/lawn fertilizers
Weed killers
Ice-melting products
Nails
Gasoline
Car oil
Soft wood shavings
Paint/
Paint thinner
Mineral spirits
Screws
When chemical treatments are applied to grassy areas, be sure and keep your pet off the lawn for the manufacturer's recommended time. If pets are exposed to wet chemicals or granules that adhere to their paws, they may lick it off later; stomach upset or more serious problems could result.

HAZARDOUS PLANTS

Compare the list below with the decorative plants that you have in or around your home.  If your home contains any of the following, consider placing them in areas that your pet does not have access to or get rid of them altogether.

Arum
Aloe
Amaryllis
Andromeda Japonica
Azalea
Baneberry
Belladonna
Bird of Paradise
Blue Bonnet
Caladium
Castor Bean
Clematis
Daffodil
Daphne
Devil's Ivy
Dieffenbachia
Dumb Cane
Eggplant
Elderberry
English Ivy
Eucalyptus
Ferns
Foxglove
Geraniums
Glacier Ivy
Gladiolas
Golden Pothos
Honeysuckle
Hyacinth
Hydrangea
Kalanchoe
Lilies
Morning Glory
Mother-in-law
Oak
Philodendron
Poison Hemlock/Ivy/Oak/Sumac
Rhododendron
Schefflera
Sweet Pea
Tulip
Wisteria
Yucca
For a complete listing of common toxic and non-toxic plants, visit www.apcc.aspca.org.

HOLIDAY HAZARDS

Don't forget that holidays and visitors can pose a special challenge to your pets. Discourage well-meaning guests from spoiling pets with extra treats and scraps from the dinner table. Fatty, rich or spicy foods can cause vomiting and diarrhea and lead to inflammation of the pancreas. Poultry or other soft bones can splinter and damage your pet's mouth or esophagus. While trick or treating is fun for children, it can be hazardous to pets. Halloween treats such as chocolate or candy sweetened with xylitol can make a harmful snack. Certain Halloween and Christmas decorations (especially tinsel, ribbons and ornaments) also pose a hazard to pets, so make sure nothing is left on the floor or on tables within reach. String-like items can damage your pet's intestine and could prove fatal if not surgically removed. While poinsettia is not deadly as popular legend would have it, it could still cause an upset stomach if consumed. Holly and mistletoe are especially dangerous plants. Christmas tree water treated with preservatives (including fertilizers) can also cause an upset stomach. Water that is allowed to stagnate in tree stands contains bacteria that, if ingested, could lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PET IS POISONED

Don't wait! Time is critical for successfully treating accidental poisoning. Pick up the phone and call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435; a consultation fee may apply). Be prepared to state your pet's breed, age, weight and any symptoms. Keep the product container or plant sample with you to assist in identification so the appropriate treatment recommendations can be made.








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