Household Items that Are Toxic to Your Dog

Like children, dogs have a way of finding things in the house that you never thought they would. Dogs can usually sniff out what is toxic and stay away from it, but not all dogs have a keen sense of smell, and some household items don't smell as toxic as they really are (e.g. fabric softener). Courtesy of the Westbury Animal Hospital in Houston, Texas, is a list of just some of the household items that can be hazardous to your dog. Please make sure you keep these hazardous items out of your dog's reach or locked up when you are not home.

Garbage

Dogs will gladly go through your trash for you but the rotting food can develop mold and bacteria which could lead to food poisoning. Make sure your trash bin has a lid and keep it closed.

Garage

Antifreeze

Antifreeze containing ethylene glycol can kill dogs, so keep secure caps on antifreeze containers, and store them on a shelf.

Insecticides and Weed Killer

Keep your dog out of the yard after you spray any weed killer or insecticide. Wet chemicals can adhere to their paws or fur which dogs can later lick and digest inadvertently. At the very least this will cause a stomach upset, but could be fatal if large quantities are consumed.

Paint

Anything paint-related (e.g. solvent, paint thinner) can be dangerous to dogs. Your dog could suffer from a severe irritation or chemical burn.

Bathroom

Cleaning Supplies

Bleach is not only toxic to humans, but it is toxic to dogs as well. Digestion of bleach can cause respiratory tract irritation, burns, and stomach upset. Even bathroom cleaning products that do not contain bleach can cause problems for your dog. Read the label on the product and keep your dog away from the bathroom immediately after you clean it.

Your best bet is to use a natural cleaner made from vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. Your dog will be turned off by the smell of the vinegar and it's safer for your house as well.

Medication

Do not assume that medication is safe to give to your dog just because it safe for you to use. Always consult with a veterinarian before giving your dog any medication. As with children, it is best to store your medication in a high cabinet that is not easily accessible. The following drugs are of particular concern:

• Anti-depressants
• Anti-histamines
• Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol)
• Diet Pills
• Prescription Medication
• Ibuprofen (e.g. Advil)
• Aspirin

Living Areas

Mothballs

Not only are mothballs unsightly, they smell awful too. Despite this, dogs might view them as food so keep mothballs out of reach otherwise your dog could suffer kidney and blood cell damage, swelling of the brain tissue, seizures, coma, digestive tract irritation, and even death. Consider using round cedar blocks that can be hung on a hanger to freshen your closet.

Coins and Batteries

A penny made after 1982 contains zinc, and zinc, along with alkaline batteries can be toxic when ingested by your dog. Coins are also a choking hazard if swallowed, so keep your spare change out of reach or in a piggy bank, and store batteries in a container away from your dog.

Electrical Cords

Puppies are constantly trying to find something to chew but in chewing an electrical cord it could cause burns or worse, electrocution. Consider covering your cords with a protective cover to prevent a tragedy.

If your dog does swallow something toxic, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately, or phone the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. Keep this number by your telephone at all times in the event of an emergency. If you know what your pet swallowed or have the container, be sure to bring it with you and provide as much information as possible.