Your home is your safe haven, but it may not be as safe for your pet as you assume. Many common household items can pose serious threats to your pet, but pet-proofing your home can protect them from potential household hazards. Our team at Sonoran Sky Pet Hospital describes household pet dangers and tips to keep your four-legged friend safe. 

Medication can do more harm to pets than good

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), human medications are among the top U.S. pet poisoning causes. Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat pain and other conditions are common in most households, putting pets at risk. Medication toxicity can result from a pet owner giving their furry pal a pill they assume is safe, or a curious cat or dog who gets into an unsecured medication bottle. No matter the circumstances, accidental medication ingestion can have serious consequences for pets. 

Many pet owners believe that OTC medications they take for minor aches and pains or nasal congestion are just as safe for their furry pals as they are for themselves; however, this is not the case. OTC medications that commonly harm pets include:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) — Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) are the most common toxic NSAIDs ingested by pets and may cause stomach ulcers or kidney failure.  
  • Acetaminophen — Acetaminophen (Tylenol) damages red blood cells in pets and may cause liver damage in dogs.
  • Decongestants — Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, have stimulant-like effects and can be harmful or deadly to pets.

In addition to OTC medications, prescription drugs can harm your pet, especially if they get into a bottle that hasn’t been closed securely. Prescription medications that commonly harm pets include:

  • Anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications — If your pet accidentally ingests an anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication, they may experience sedation, seizures, and incoordination, or the opposite may occur with agitation, and increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.
  • Heart and blood pressure medications — Certain heart and blood pressure medications can be dangerous for pets, and beta blockers—which may cause a slow heart rate and life-threatening drop in blood pressure—are particularly dangerous. 
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) medications — These are typically strong stimulants, and if your pet ingests them, your furry pal may experience agitation, tremors, seizures, elevated body temperature, and heart problems. 

Curious pets and household cleaning supplies don’t mix

Many household cleaning supplies, such as bleach, and toilet bowl and drain cleaners, are toxic to pets if ingested. A curious pet who laps up a puddle from a spilled bottle, or drinks from a freshly cleaned toilet may experience vomiting, diarrhea, hemorrhagic gastritis, lung injury, and mouth, esophagus, and stomach burns. Protect your pet by storing cleaning supplies in a secure cabinet or closet and shutting the toilet lid. 

Plants are pretty but can be toxic for pets 

Pets love to investigate with their mouth, and many common household and garden plants can be toxic for pets if ingested. When choosing plants for your home or yard, check the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) list of toxic plants. Toxic plants include:

  • Sago palm — Sago palms look like mini palm trees, with their seeds containing the most toxin, cause signs that include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, liver failure, and potentially death.
  • Lilies — All lily parts are toxic to pets, especially to cats. Dogs who eat lilies typically have gastrointestinal (GI) upset, but cats can develop severe kidney failure.
  • Autumn crocus — The autumn crocus contains colchicine, which can cause bone marrow suppression and liver failure in pets. 

Sharing your food with your pet can harm them 

Resist the temptation to share table scraps with your pet—no matter how sad they look. Many foods that people eat are toxic to pets. To avoid a pet emergency, keep food stored up high, ensure your trash cans are secure, and don’t leave plates unattended. These foods can be toxic for pets:

  • Chocolate — Chocolate may be tasty but this sweet treat contains caffeine and theobromine, which pets can’t metabolize well. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic the treat is to your pet. Toxicity signs include vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, and excessive urination.
  • Grapes — Grapes and raisins contain a toxin that causes vomiting, diarrhea, and acute renal failure if ingested.
  • Onions — Members of the Allium family, including onions, chives, garlic, leeks, and shallots, contain a toxin that breaks down your pet’s red blood cells, causing anemia. Toxicity signs include lethargy, pale gums, reddish urine, and fainting.
  • Sugar-free candy and gum — Many sugar-free foods contain xylitol, which can cause a sudden, drastic drop in your pet’s blood sugar level. Toxicity signs include vomiting, incoordination, weakness, collapse, and seizures.

You can ensure your home is a safe haven for your pet by keeping toxins away from your furry pal. However, if your pet gets into trouble with a household hazard, contact our Sonoran Sky Pet Hospital team for guidance.