Hazards

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDS THAT CAN KILL OR MAIM A PET

Most common health household hazards found in many pet-owning homes are ingestibles.

Many foods that are perfectly safe for humans are household hazards to dogs or cats and could be harmful or potentially deadly. To be safe, keep the following food items out of your pet’s menu:

Coffee grounds, grapes/raisins, chocolate, onions, yeast dough, tea, macadamia nuts, alcohol, fatty foods, salt, avocado, garlic, chewing gum, candy and breath fresheners containing xylitol.

Chicken and turkey bones and rib bones can splinter and cause serious injury. These should be avoided as a treat.

Always keep garbage out of a pet’s reach, as rotting food contains molds or bacteria that could produce food poisoning.

Many household cleaners can be used safely around cats and dogs. However, the key to safe use lies in reading and following product directions for proper use and storage to better determine those that pose household hazards.

For instance, if the label states “keep pets and children away from area until dry,” follow those directions to prevent possible health risks. Products containing bleach can safely disinfect many household surfaces when used properly, but can cause stomach upset, drooling, vomiting or diarrhea, severe burns if swallowed and respiratory tract irritation can occur if inhaled in a high enough concentration. In addition, skin contact with concentrated solutions may produce serious chemical burns. Some detergents can produce a similar reaction, and cats can be particularly sensitive to certain ingredients such as phenols.

As a rule, store all cleaning products, whether a known household hazard or not, in a secure cabinet out of the reach of pets and keep them in their original packaging, or in a clearly labeled and tightly sealed container.

As with household cleaners, read and follow label instructions before using any type of pesticide in your pet’s environment. Some are dangerous household hazards. Some are animal specific. For example, flea and tick products labeled “for use on dogs only” should not be applied to cats or other species, as serious or even life-threatening problems could result. Always consult with your veterinarian about the safe use of these products for your pet.

If a pet ingests rat or mouse poison, potentially serious or even life-threatening illness can result; therefore, when using any rodenticide, it is important to place the poison in areas completely inaccessible to pets. As an example, the drug Coumadin, which is used as a blood thinner in Human heart patients, is the chemical Warfarin, a household hazard that kills rodents and other small animals.

Medications that treat other human medical conditions can make pets very sick. Never give your pet any medication unless directed by your veterinarian. As a rule, the following medicines should be tightly closed and stored in a secure cabinet above the counter and away from pets and children:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, acetaminophen, diet pills, antihistamines, cold medicines, vitamins, antidepressants, all prescription drugs, Bath and hand soaps, toothpaste, and sun blocks should be kept away from your pets. They can cause stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea. Keep toilet lids closed to prevent your pets from consuming treated toilet bowl water that could irritate their digestive tract. These are normally household hazards of a less threatening nature, but do pose some risk.

While they may smell good, many liquid potpourri products contain ingredients that can cause oral ulcerations and other problems, so keep them out of the reach of your pets.

Just one mothball has the potential to sicken a dog or cat and mothballs that contain naphthalene can cause serious illness, including digestive tract irritation, liver, kidney and blood cell damage, swelling of the brain tissues, seizures, coma, respiratory tract damage (if inhaled) and even death (if ingested). Tobacco products, pennies (those minted after 1982 contain zinc) and alkaline batteries (like those in your remote controls) can also be hazardous when ingested. What is not a household hazard to we humans, very often can become a household hazard to the curious animal that licks or ingests an item.

Ethylene glycol-containing antifreeze and coolants, even in small quantities, can be fatal to both dogs and cats. Pets are attracted to the odor and sweet taste. Window-washing solution as used in cars also contains antifreeze. While antifreeze products containing propylene glycol are less toxic than those containing ethylene glycol, they can still be dangerous. In addition to antifreeze, other substances routinely stored in the garage including insecticides, plant/lawn fertilizers, weed killers, ice-melting products and gasoline also pose a threat to your pet’s health if ingested. Remember, engine warmth promotes catnaps, so honk your horn to wake pets under the hood.

When chemical treatments are applied to grassy areas, be sure and keep your pet off the lawn for the manufacturer’s recommended time. If pets are exposed to wet chemicals or granules that adhere to their paws, they may lick it off later; stomach upset or problems that are more serious could result. Household hazards come in all forms, and must be secured from small animals and children alike.

Paint thinners, mineral spirits, and other solvents are dangerous and can cause severe irritation or chemical burns if swallowed or if they are exposed to your pet’s skin. While most latex house paints typically produce a minor stomach upset, some types of artist’s or other specialty paints may contain heavy metals or volatile substances that could become harmful if inhaled or ingested. Oil paints pose more of a household hazard threat than latex house paints, but why take a chance on either, when it could result in a sick or dead animal.

Many household and yard plants are classified as household hazards and can sicken your pet. Some of the most commonly grown greenery that should be kept away from pets includes:

Lily of the Valley, oleander, azalea, yew, foxglove, rhododendron, and kalanchoe may cause heart problems if ingested.

Rhubarb leaves and shamrock contain substances that can produce kidney failure.

Certain types of lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) are highly toxic to cats, resulting in kidney failure — even if only small amounts are ingested.

Sago palms (Cycad species) can cause liver damage, especially if the nut portion of the plant is consumed.

Additionally, Dieffenbachia, Philodendron, Agave, Poinsettia, Prayer plant, Chrysanthemum, Rubber plant, Elephant’s ear and Caladium produce poor effects on small animals. As do Eucalyptus, Spider plants, amaryllis, Oleander, boxwood, Jerusalem Cherry and plant bulbs.

Also, fungi such as certain varieties of mushrooms can cause liver damage or other illnesses.

A few other potentially harmful plants include, corn plant, castor bean, mother-in-law’s tongue, Hibiscus and hydrangea. While the majority of plants that can be called household hazards, simply produce sickness, there are significant varieties that are toxic. Most but not all animals will expel an eaten toxic plant before it does much damage, but not all individuals will do this, and there are certain clear residual effects so that a veterinarian should be called upon for input.

Kittens and puppies are naturally inquisitive. This can often lead to serious injury.

A curious cat or dog can easily swallow small items that fall on the floor. Such items include coins, buttons, small children’s toys, medicine bottles, jewelry, nails, and screws. The result may be damage to your pet’s digestive tract and the need for surgical removal of the object. While electrical cords are especially tempting to teething puppies or kittens that like to chew on almost anything, even an adult dog or cat could find them of interest; burns or electrocution could result from chewing on live cords. Prevent this by using cord covers and blocking access to wires.

Do not forget that holidays and visitors can pose a special challenge to your pets. Discourage well-meaning guests from spoiling pets with extra treats and scraps from the dinner table. Fatty, rich or spicy foods can cause vomiting and diarrhea and lead to inflammation of the pancreas. Poultry or other soft bones can splinter and damage your pet’s mouth or esophagus.

While trick or treating is fun for children, it can be hazardous to pets. Halloween treats such as chocolate or candy sweetened with xylitol can make a harmful snack. Certain Halloween and Christmas decorations (especially tinsel, ribbons and ornaments) also pose a hazard to pets, so make sure nothing is left on the floor or on tables within reach.String-like items can damage your pet’s intestine and could prove fatal if not surgically removed. While poinsettia is not deadly, as popular legend would have it, it could still cause an upset stomach if consumed. Holly and mistletoe are especially dangerous plants. Christmas tree water treated with preservatives (including fertilizers) can also cause an upset stomach. Water that is allowed to stagnate in tree stands contains bacteria that, if ingested, could lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Just like dogs and cats, most household hazards listed here apply to your pet bird, particularly if it is allowed to roam freely outside of its cage. In addition, birds have unique respiratory tracts that are especially vulnerable to inhaled particles and fumes from aerosol products, tobacco products, certain glues, paints, air fresheners, and any other aerosolized matter. Birds should never be allowed in areas where such products are being used. As a rule, birds should never be kept in kitchens because cooking fumes, smoke, and odors can present a hazard.

Puppies and kittens grow rapidly. Collars and harnesses can be rapidly outgrown, leading to serious wounds. Cats and dogs of any age can catch a collar or harness on another object, with the potential of serious injury. Plastic bags and hot appliances can also pose a threat, as can un-screened fireplaces and swimming pools and hot tubs. Remember, puppies and kittens in particular, test with their mouths. IF IT’S NOT INGESTIBLE, KEEP IT OUT OF REACH.