No other place feels like home; it’s where our furry companions feel cozy and safe. However, some common household objects can turn a loving home into a danger zone.A second-year emergency and critical care resident at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Shayna Doyle, warns pet parents about common but unsuspecting toxins found in homes and shares tips on how to keep our four-legged friends safe from these potential dangers. Pets, especially cats, are known to be curious and always in the mood to explore every nook and cranny of their homes. Sometimes, unfortunately, these adventures can put a pet’s life in danger. Electrical cords, insect repellent, and certain human medications, including ibuprofen, aspirin, alprazolam, and acetaminophen, among many others, can be dangerous and even fatal to pets. But meds aren’t the only items that can send your beloved pet to the vet. Many pet parents are unaware that common household plants like lilies and Dieffenbachia are very toxic to cats and dogs. Ingesting them can cause kidney damage, heart problems, convulsions, and even death.The kitchen, the place where all cats and dogs want to be, is a true danger zone. Items like coffee, chocolate, alcohol, and peanut butter are toxic to cats and dogs. “A sharp item like an animal bone can poke holes anywhere and everywhere, including in a pet’s mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines,” said Doyle. “They can also get stuck in their jaw or esophagus.”Eating bones can cause blockages in the small intestine, which are often life-threatening and require immediate surgery. While exploring their homes, cats and dogs can come across stray batteries, which contain countless potentially harmful chemicals. Mercury, sulphuric acid, nickel, lead, and cadmium are found even in the smallest batteries and are toxic to pets. “Button batteries, or the flat batteries you might put in a garage door opener, for example, are the worst kind of battery for pets to ingest,” said Doyle. “These batteries generate electrical current on any moist surface, so they can burn through an animal's entire gastrointestinal tract and create extremely severe symptoms.” Keeping an eye on pets as they snoop around the house is the best way to keep them safe from common household toxins. Pet parents should also be aware of their pet’s health and look for signs of poisoning. The most common symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, wobbly gait, behavioral changes, loss of appetite, and lethargy. “If symptoms are something you’d be worried about in a human child, it’s worth having a pet evaluated by a veterinarian,” Doyle added. Even if you do everything right and pet-proof your home, accidents can still happen. Pets are known to go to great lengths to get into things they shouldn’t. A spilled drink, leftover yarn, or a small battery may seem insignificant but prove fatal for a pet. “Just as parents would child-proof a home, pet owners should pet-proof a home. That means keeping all dangerous items out of reach, even ones you think your pet wouldn’t go to eat or chew on,” said Doyle. “When animals are bored, home alone, or unsupervised, they can do things that we would never expect, so it’s important to be prepared to try to prevent as many negative outcomes as possible.” Once you learn which common household items can harm your four-legged companion, you’ll be able to take steps to keep those items out of your pet’s reach and have a plan in case you need to rush your pet to an emergency veterinary clinic if poisoning occurs. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.
