Dog Toxins in Your Home Right Now

It’s Poison Prevention Month—are you aware of potential toxins for your dog that are already in your home? It’s up to you to keep Fido safe from harm. Below, your Carol Stream, IL veterinarian tells you what to stay on the lookout for:

Plenty of human foods aren’t safe for dogs. Thanks to our canine companions’ penchant for gobbling up whatever tasty morsel is within reach, poisoning from toxic foods is rather common! Dangerous foods for dogs include garlic, onions, chives, leeks, shallots, scallions, grapes and raisins, salty foods like chips and pretzels, chocolate, candy, gum, avocado, caffeinated foods and beverages, and much more. Keep your dog out of the kitchen when cooking, and don’t leave harmful foods on countertops or tables where your pet could reach them.

Over-the-counter pills, prescription drugs, antidepressants, even cough syrup and aspirin… many common medications can poison a dog who manages to ingest enough. A child-proof plastic cap may be no match for your dog’s strong jaws and teeth—it’s important that you keep the medicine cabinet closed tightly at all times. It’s best to store your dog’s own medications in a separate area, so that human and canine medicines don’t get mixed up.

There is a long list of potentially harmful plants and flowers for our canine companions. Some common offenders are rhododendron (also called azalea), dieffenbachia, elephant ear, oleander, the sago palm, certain aloe plants, poinsettia plants, lilies, tulips, and daffodils. For a full list, visit the ASPCA’s website, and try asking your veterinarian what sort of toxic plant life grows commonly in your area.

All sorts of household cleaning supplies could cause harm to your dog. While it’s not likely that Fido would seek out a cleaning product to ingest, it’s never worth the risk. Put your pet elsewhere if you’re using chemicals, and never leave the supply closet open so that your dog could reach the products inside. Everything from common disinfectants and furniture polish to toilet-bowl cleaner and air fresheners could cause harm!

If you set up pesticide products around your home to ward off insects or rodents, do so with extreme caution. These substances can poison a dog who gets curious! Place pesticides where your dog can’t gain access.

Want more advice on keeping your pooch safe from toxins at home? Call your Carol Stream, IL animal hospital.