Household Hazards

Keeping Your Furry Companions Safe

Dogs and cats are wonderful companions and friends. We give them shelter, food, training, medical care and love. In return they give to us, protection, enjoyment, a sense of fun, companionship and their own brand of love. As part of our role in taking on the responsibility of animal ownership, we should offer some protection to them from harmful substances which they may view as toys, a relief from boredom or a tasty but dangerous morsel.

Dogs and cats, puppies and kittens all explore with their mouths. They, especially dogs and puppies, like to chew. Our pets may simply be curious about that new plant in the house, that ant bait which you just put out or the tempting round bottle with asprin. While we probably cannot prevent every accident, there are a number of things we can do to reduce the hazards.

Both indoors and outdoors there are steps we can take to ensure our pets are as safe as can be from harmful chemicals, plants, bait, etc. The following is not a complete all inclusive list, rather a group of suggestions to guide us in preventing poisoning.

Indoor Hazards

Plants

Many of our beautiful houseplants can be extremely harmful to our dogs and cats. Problems can occur if they are ingested, if they are chewed or even if the animal simply rubs against them. Kidney failure, severe irritation to the throat and mouth, a severe intestinal upset, a rash, delirium, depression, paralysis, and even death may be the result of your pet chewing on and/or swallowing that Easter Lily or Poinsettia plant. Know the names of your plants and keep potentially toxic plants out of areas accessible to your furry friends. For a more complete listing of plants which may be harmful, pick up the brochure "Poisonous Plants".

Medications

Our dogs� and cats� body chemistry is very different from ours and they require different medications than humans receive. Never give your medications to a pet unless specifically instructed to by a veterinarian. That includes prescription drugs, as well as over-the-counter medications, like cough medicines, decongestants ibuprofen or even aspirin. Do not give dog medications to cats or cat medications to your dog unless the veterinarian has given you the OK.

Be careful with your own medications as well. Do not leave a pill on a low table or counter top within reach of a dog�s tongue or a cat�s paw.

Store medications in closed cabinets. Dogs and cats are curious and a dog can quickly bite through a plastic pill bottle and swallow the contents. Even if it is their medicine, the dose may be too large and cause serious consequences.

Be careful with any medications that come in metal or plastic tubes. They can be broken into easily with those sharp teeth. While the salve may be perfectly safe for a skin rash it may not be safe when eaten.

Insecticides & Flea Control Products

When it is necessary to treat your home for fleas or other insects, please read the label on the container and follow all directions carefully. If roach or ant bait traps are used indoors make sure they are not accessible to your pet. Keep track of when the product was first used, the expiration date and specifically what the product was. In the event your pet inadvertently eats the bait, you will need this information for the veterinarian.

Poisons - Rat and Mouse

Place traps in a spot which cannot be reached by your curious pet. Keep track of the baits and dispose of properly when no longer required. Also it is a good idea to write down the name of the trap and when it was put down. If your pet eats the trap or the contents, you�ll need this information to give to the veterinarian for proper treatment.

Household Chemicals

Many products that we use in our homes every day can be a potential hazard to our dogs and cats. They can cause stomach upsets, vomiting, burns in the mouth and even death. Some items of potential danger - laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, bleach, pool chemicals, silver polish, furniture polish, etc. When using these products keep them out of the way of your pets and remember to store them safely.

Outdoor Hazards

Plants

There are many lovely plants which are in our yards and gardens which may be harmful to our pets, such as oleander, privet, buttercup, lantana berries, philodendron, etc. Serious side effects like diarrhea, vomiting, heart rhythm change, etc may occur. While we cannot clear our yards of all potential dangers, we can watch animals and try to prevent their getting into trouble. For a more complete listing of plants, see separate brochure.

Lawn Care and Garden Supplies

Use these products according to manufacturers directions and be sure to keep your pet off of a treated lawn at least until the area is dry. If using snail or slug bait, keep your pet away. It is very toxic but seemingly appealing to our pets.

Automobile Care Supplies

The cleaning supplies used on our cars are as potentially dangerous as our indoor cleaning supplies. Keep them away from the animals. Better still when washing your car, keep the animals away. A bucket of water with cleaning compounds can be lethal.

Antifreeze and windshield washer fluid should be carefully used and not left out for a thirsty dog or cat.

Other Chemical Compounds

Some products used in remodeling, repairing, or painting may be dangerous to our pets. Varnish, stains, paint and paint thinners are a few. It is better to keep the pet away then have it get into the project. Never use paint thinners/removers to clean any animal. Call your veterinarian immediately for removal instructions.