As pet owners, we all want to ensure the safety and well-being of our furbabies. While we may think our homes are completely safe for our pets, several common household items can be toxic. Your awareness and ability to remove these toxic items is crucial to keeping our pets safe. In this blog, we will discuss some of the most common toxic items found in homes and provide tips on protecting your pets.
Recognizing Common Household Toxins
When it comes to ensuring your pet's safety, knowledge is power. To protect your beloved animals, it's essential to be aware of common household toxins.
- Chemical Cleaners: Many common cleaning products contain chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and phenols that can harm your pets. Make sure to store these securely.
- Human Medications: Over-the-counter and prescription medications can be extremely dangerous for pets. Keep them in cabinets your pets can't access.
- Insecticides and Pest Baits: These products may effectively target pests but can harm your pets if ingested or licked. Opt for pet-friendly alternatives.
The Danger of Toxic Foods
Our pets have a knack for finding food, whether it's intended for them or not. It's crucial to know what human foods can be toxic to them.
- Xylitol: This artificial sweetener is in sugar-free gum and peanut butter. It can cause rapid insulin release in dogs, leading to severe hypoglycemia.
- Grapes and Raisins: These seemingly harmless fruits can cause kidney failure in dogs. Ensure they are never within your pet's reach.
- Onions and Garlic: These common cooking ingredients can lead to pet anemia. Be cautious when cooking around your furry friends.
- Alcohol: Even small amounts of alcohol can cause severe pet poisoning. Keep alcoholic beverages far from their reach.
- Chocolate: Dark chocolate is more toxic than others, but all chocolate has the potential to be toxic and/or deadly. This popular treat is toxic to dogs and cats due to theobromine. Keep it out of reach.
Houseplants: Pretty but Poisonous
Many of us love having indoor plants, but some of them can be extremely toxic to pets, like:
- Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta): This beautiful indoor plant is highly toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. It can lead to liver failure and death if ingested.
- Lilies: While visually appealing, lilies are extremely toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure. Avoid them if you have feline friends.
- Pothos: Pothos plants contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, causing mouth and throat irritation in pets. Keep them out of reach.
- Philodendron: Like pothos, philodendron plants can irritate a pet's mouth and digestive tract. Make sure they are placed high up.
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee may apply.
We recommend you know what toxin, how much toxin and when ingestion or exposure occurred when making a call to Poison Control.
Secure Your Pet's Health Today: Contact Embrace Veterinary Care for Peace of Mind
If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic or requires a check-up, don't hesitate to contact us. We proudly serve Richmond, Harvest Green, Aliana, Sugar Land, Mission Bend, Four Corners, and the surrounding communities. Book an appointment with us today to ensure your pet's continued well-being.
By taking these precautions and seeking expert veterinary care, you can create a safe and loving environment for your pets in your home. Your furry friends deserve nothing less than the best, and together, we can make your home a safe haven for their health and happiness.