Household items that can hurt your four-legged friend

For the health and safety of your companion animal, we urge pet owners to never leave cats and dogs outdoors unattended. Still, keeping your furry friend indoors entails a number of risks. Many household items we take for granted can be hazardous in the presence of a cat or dog.

With this in mind, here are a few common hazards to address when preparing your home for a four-legged family member.

Insecticides and rodent poisons are the most common causes of animal poisonings. If you must have these items in your home, make sure your pets can’t get to them.

Over the counter flea and tick products can have harmful side effects, so ask your veterinarian before applying any such treatment.

Some house plants are poisonous, but that doesn’t mean your furry friend will refrain from eating them. Ask your vet which plants to avoid.

Don’t leave household cleaners, solvents, paints or other chemicals where a curious pet can sample them. Plant food and fertilizers can be just as dangerous. And be especially careful with automotive fluids like antifreeze.

To you, it’s just a pile of laundry; but to your cat or dog, it’s a paradise waiting to be explored. Anyone who has ever had a nylon stocking surgically removed from the intestinal tract of their puppy will attest to the importance of keeping a tidy home. String, yarn, rubber bands and dental floss can cause similar problems for cats and dogs.

Cats love to chew on dangling cords, even the ones plugged into electrical outlets — so if it looks tempting, unplug it. And since cats are naturally curious, keep the kitchen sink plugged when you’re not using the electric garbage disposal. Same principle applies with the door of the clothes dryer.

Dogs need to chew. Rawhide chew strips can help them maintain healthy teeth, but stay alert for choking while your dog enjoys that flip chew.

Squeaky toys, stuffed animals with plastic eyes and other toys with removable parts can also pose a choking hazard. Use the same precautions you would with a toddler, but bear in mind that a small child is less likely to tear apart a plush toy and eat the stuffing.

Human medications, vitamins and ointments can be toxic. If you don’t find those pills you dropped, Fido will.

Many of the foods we eat are poisonous to our animal companions. It’s generally okay to share meats with your cat or dog, but cooked bones will choke your pet. Be especially careful how you dispose of those chicken bones.

Cats, dogs and ferrets are not immune to the allure of chocolate; but unlike humans, it only takes a little to make them dangerously sick. Keep the candy bars and other chocolate treats out of reach, and make sure your kids do the same.

Prepare for the worst. Every day, companion animals discover new ways to turn ordinary household items into disaster. Ask your vet for first aid instructions, and be prepared to use them.

Recognize the indicators of poisoning: abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, lack of coordination, listlessness, muscle tremors, and vomiting. Contact your vet right away if you think your pet may have eaten something toxic.

To learn more about companion animal dangers in your home, read The American Veterinary Medical Association’s “Pet Owner's Guide to Common Small Animal Poisons” (not available on the Web), and talk to your vet.

Resources

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center