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Top 5 Household Toxins for Your Pet to Avoid

We all want the very best for our pets, and we would do anything to ensure their health and safety. Unfortunately, there are many common household products that contain harmful toxins for your four-legged family member!

We care about your pet’s well-being, so we’ve identified the top 5 household toxins, so you can better protect your pet from illness.
 

1. Food/Drink

You’ve probably heard that feeding your pet from the table isn’t good for them, however, do you know which common foods are most toxic for you cat or dog? The most prevalent foods and drinks are:

  • Caffeine (coffee, soda, etc.)
  • Chocolate (candy, cocoa, etc.)
  • Onions/Garlic (even powder)
  • Grapes (and raisins)
  • Alcohol

It’s important to not only avoid feeding these to your pets, but also to keep them out of reach in a secure location, such as a pantry or refrigerator. Never leave these foods out on the floor (or even a table) where your pet could find them and become interested.
 

2. Medications

Just as medications should be kept out of the reach of children, they should be kept away from your pets. The most toxic of these include:

  • Antidepressants
  • Heart medication
  • Cold/Flu medication
  • Dietary supplements
  • Pain Relievers
  • Vitamins & Over-the-Counter drugs

These medications can cause serious conditions in pets, such as severe liver damage, and an overdose may result in death. Be sure to store all medication in a closed area and pick up any pills you’ve dropped right away.
 

3. Plants

Your favorite household plants can be another area of concern, since many cats and dogs enjoy nibbling on the flowers or leaves. These often contain toxins with the most common being:

  • Aloe
  • Poinsettia
  • Lily
  • Mistletoe
  • Marijuana

It’s tough to keep your pets away from these when you’re away at work or even just out to dinner. The best defense against plant toxins is to position them in rooms where the door can be shut. This way you can reduce your furry friend’s exposure and keep them safe when you aren’t around to supervise.
 

4. Household Cleaners

Many household cleaners can be detrimental to your pet’s health – even simply from walking on a surface and licking their paws! The most toxic cleaners are:

  • Bleach
  • Window Cleaners
  • Detergents
  • Bathroom Cleansers/Soap

These cleaning agents can be very toxic for your dog or cat to ingest. Be sure to wipe up any spills or puddles, rinse with plenty of water, and dry all surfaces after cleaning.
 

5. Garage/Outdoor Chemicals

Garage and outdoor chemicals can pose a threat your pet’s health. Especially, the following:

  • Antifreeze
  • Sidewalk Salt
  • Fertilizers
  • Pesticides
  • Paints/Stains

Steer your feline or canine clear of these chemicals by securing them off the floor of your garage or shed. Clean up any spills quickly, and be sure to supervise your pets in all situations where they may come in contact with these toxins.
 

If your pet shows these symptoms…

Sometimes accidents happen, and you can’t always prevent your pet from ingesting household toxins. However, if you feel your pet may have or is experiencing breathing problems, coughing, diarrhea, seizures, or vomiting, please give us a call right away at 262-728-8622.