Pets are naturally curious, which sometimes leads them to explore things that aren’t safe for them. Many everyday household items contain ingredients that can be harmful to dogs and cats.
If you’re not sure if you should feed your dog that treat, or spray that new cleaner around your cat, take a minute to look it up. You can always ask your veterinarian too. By knowing which items to keep out of reach, you can help create a safer, healthier environment for your pet.
Take a look at the list of common household items that are toxic to your pet, along with tips for pet-proofing your home and what to do if your dog or cat ingests something harmful.
What Foods are Dangerous for Dogs?
As dog owners, we love to spoil our pups with treats. But if you’re not sure if they can have it, always think twice. You could be accidentally giving them something they shouldn’t have. You know the common food dangers like chocolate and onions, but these common household items are dangerous for your dog too:
- Grapes
- Avocados
- Garlic
- Caffeine (tea and coffee)
- Raw dough
- Cherries
- Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
- Macadamia nuts
Are Bones Safe for Dogs?
You may be tempted to feed your dog a bone or raw meat, but you should be aware of the risks. Just like humans, dogs can become sick from E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria found on raw or uncooked meat.
Bones also pose another danger for your dog, and should also ways be given to your pup under supervision. Smaller bones can snap and become a choking hazard and cause dental damage. Pieces that break off can also cause intestinal blockages, even punctures.
If you’re going to give your dog a bone, opt for a raw bone or a synthetic chew toy instead. You can find raw bones from your local butcher, but be sure to choose an appropriately sized bone for your dog’s breed and size.
What Can Cats Eat and Not Eat?
Cats have unique dietary needs. As carnivores, they require a high-protein diet and can be sensitive to certain foods. Cats should never be fed the usual no-gos of garlic, onions, and chocolate, but make sure to avoid these toxic things too:
- Grapes
- Lilies
- Raisins
- Citrus
- Raw potatoes
- Cherries
- Essential oils (tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint oil)
Can Cats Drink Milk?
The image of a cat sipping a bowl of milk is a common one, but in reality, milk is not a safe treat for most cats. While kittens drink their mother’s milk or a specially formulated milk substitute in their early stages of life, adult cats are typically lactose intolerant. This means they have a reduced ability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk.
For cats that are lactose intolerant, drinking milk can cause digestive upset, including:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting
- Gas and bloating
These symptoms occur because cats’ digestive system do not produce enough lactase, which is the enzyme needed to break down lactose. As a result, undigested lactose ferments in the intestines, leading to discomfort.
How to Pet-Proof Your Home
Keeping your home safe for your pets starts with being proactive. There are many things you can do to minimize risks and create a safer environment for your dog or cat. Here are a few tips for pet-proofing your home:
Store Harmful Foods and Substances Out of Reach
Keep toxic foods, medications, and cleaning products in cabinets your pet can’t access.
Use Pet-Safe Cleaning Products
Opt for non-toxic cleaners or rinse surfaces thoroughly after using strong disinfectants.
Secure Trash Cans
Keep them in cabinets or use trash cans with secure lids to prevent your pet from rummaging through.
Remove Toxic Plants
Research house plants before bringing them home, and avoid using air fresheners or candles with essential oils.
Keep Electrical Cords Out of Reach
Pets love to chew, so store dangerous items like batteries, cords, and small objects safely away.
Signs of Pet Poisoning
Even with the best precautions, pets can sometimes get into harmful substances. Here are some common signs to watch out for if you think your pet may have ingested something toxic:
Signs of Poisoning in Dogs:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
- Lethargy or weakness
- Tremors or seizures
- Loss of appetite
- Abnormal breathing or heart rate
Signs of Poisoning in Cats:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Drooling or foaming at the mouth
- Unusual behavior, such as hiding or agitation
- Loss of coordination
- Lack of appetite or sudden weight loss
- Difficulty breathing or coughing
What to Do If Your Dog or Cat Ingests Something Harmful
If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, here’s what you should do:
Identify the Substance
Immediately remove any access your pet has to the food or chemical. If you know what your pet has ingested, keep the packaging or note the substance’s name. This information will be helpful to the vet or animal hospital so they know how to treat your pet.
Call Your Veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline
Contact your vet immediately for advice on what to do next. If your veterinarian is unavailable, call a pet poison helpline for guidance, like ASPCA Poison Control. They can help you assess the situation and decide if your pet needs emergency treatment.
Monitor Your Pet
Even if your pet doesn’t show immediate signs of poisoning, keep a close watch on them. Some symptoms may take time to appear and are not always immediate. Monitor for any changes in behavior, appetite, or movement.
Keep Your Pet Healthy and Happy with Ponderosa Veterinary Clinic
Have questions? – Our Colorado Springs vets are here to help! Call us at (719) 433-7671 or visit Ponderosa Vet Clinic for more resources on pet safety.
If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, contact your vet immediately, or call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at (888) 426-4435.
