Dog Toxins in Your Home

If you own a dog, you know that they can have a penchant for getting into things they shouldn’t. This becomes a problem when you consider how many potentially harmful substances you already have in your home! Learn about five common dog toxins—and how to avoid the danger—below from your Omaha, NE vet.

Human Foods

It’s a safe bet that your pooch loves human food just as much as you do. Unfortunately, many foods that are fine for us aren’t safe for our canine companions. The list includes onions, garlic, chives, shallots, grapes, raisins, chocolate, candy, gum, avocado, salty foods, fatty items, caffeine, and alcohol, among others. Never allow your dog access to these harmful substances—store them safely inside the refrigerator or a closed cabinet.

Medications

Plenty of medicines made for humans—over-the-counter drugs, prescription pills, antidepressants, cough syrup, even aspirin—can poison a dog who ingests too much. Even some of your dog’s own medications can prove harmful if too much is eaten! It’s imperative that you store all medications in the medicine cabinet, where your pooch can’t reach them. Also take care not to get your own medications mixed up with those of your dog.

Pesticides

Do you place pesticides or rodenticides around your home to ward off intruding insects or small mammals like mice and rats? Remember that these products can harm dogs—after all, they’re poisons designed to kill! Place pesticides very carefully in areas where your pet can’t go. You can also ask your veterinarian if he or she has any recommendations on pet-safe, non-toxic alternative pest-control options.

Toxic Plant Life

Dieffenbachia, elephant ear, azalea, tulips, daffodils, ivy, oleander, various aloe plants, the sago palm—the list of potentially harmful plants and flowers goes on and on. Since our dogs are often rather indiscriminate with what they try to taste, it’s important to be aware of any poisonous plant life in or around your home. Remove any offenders at once to make sure your pooch stays safe.

Cleaning Products

All sorts of cleaning supplies, from household disinfectants and air fresheners to carpet shampoo and furniture polish, could poison a dog who gets his paws on them. Keep your supply closet closed and locked when you’re not using the products inside, because you don’t want Fido attempting to taste your cleaning solutions.

Ask your Omaha, NE veterinarian for more advice on dog toxins.