The Most DANGEROUS Household Items For Dogs: Keep Them Away!

It is important to create a safe environment for our pets. Take a look around your home: there may be potential dangers you weren’t even aware of!

Chocolate
The caffeine and theobromine contained in chocolate can cause seizures and death.

Coffee
Caffeine is toxic to your dog, so avoid allowing exposure from any source.

Grapes
Grapes (and raisins!) can cause kidney failure in dogs.

Macadamia Nuts
These are poisonous to dogs, and remember that they are a common ingredient in human treats.

Onions and Garlic
Onions, even onion powder, and to a lesser extent, garlic, can cause Heinz Body Anemia in dogs which is a life-threatening disorder resulting from the death of blood cells.

Alcohol
Dogs do not have the ability to filter out or process alcohol and since they are much smaller than humans, it takes far less alcohol for them to become dangerously intoxicated, even to the point of acidosis and cardiac arrest.

Avocados
The seed is a choking hazard.

Chicken Bones
Chicken bones are brittle and can splinter easily, and can cause serious harm.

Raw Meat
The risk for salmonella and E. coli are present, even for your dog.

Pharmaceuticals
We know that these aren’t food, but our dogs don’t, particularly those designed by vets to taste good to your dog. Be sure that all medications, human and canine, are securely stored in a place that children and animals cannot reach.

Preventive measures should be taken to ensure your dog’s safety, but in addition to dog-proofing your home, be sure to have a pet first-aid kit, and if you think your dog may have ingested something poisonous, the ASPCA has a 24-hour poison control hotline you can call at (888) 426-4435. Here is a list of common household dangers:

Insecticides
Ingestion could result in choking (traps) or toxicity from the poison.

Rodenticides
These use attractants in addition to strong poison.

Cleaning Products
Take precautions that these harmful chemicals are not within reach of animals or children.

Heavy Metals
From lead paint to coins, they can be found and easily eaten by your dog.

Fertilizer
The smell may be attractive to your dog, and they often contain insecticides, herbicides, and sometimes even chocolate!

Detergents
Chemicals in detergents can be hazardous to your dog. Pods are especially dangerous as they have the appearance of candy.

Antifreeze
The sweet scent will attract your dog to drink this dangerous poison.

De-icers
Picked up on paws and then licked off, these can lead to poisoning.

Batteries
Mouth ulcers and stomach issues can result from the acid contained inside.

Toys
Small plastic pieces can lead to choking.

Fabric Softening Sheets
The chemicals are harmful to your dog, and just as you are, they may be attracted to the smell.

Plants
Be sure to check that your houseplants are safe for your pet. Many common varieties may be harmful if licked or chewed on by your dog.

Rawhide Dog Chews
This tasty treat may have bacteria such as Salmonella growing on it. Be sure they are stored properly, and discard older chews.

The average home contains some if not all of these items. Consider eliminating what you can and keeping the rest in a place where your dog cannot reach it. This is important to keep in mind, especially when using fertilizers and rodenticides as these are typically placed in an area where dogs can get it. Keep your fur kid safe and please SHARE this post with your friends too.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay