Many common household items we use daily can be pretty dangerous for our pets if they ingest or come into contact with them. Pets, especially curious puppies and kittens, may chew on or play with things that could be toxic or cause injury if swallowed. Pet owners need to be aware of potential hazards around the home and take steps to keep their furry friends safe. Identifying and securing dangerous items, training pets to avoid them, and keeping a close eye on pets can help prevent accidents and trips to the vet.
Here is a list of sixteen household items dangerous for pets.
Bleach
Bleach is a common household cleaning product that is dangerous to pets due to its toxic properties. The chlorine in bleach can cause severe skin irritation and damage a pet’s fur upon contact. If ingested, bleach can be life-threatening to pets.
Dryer Sheets
While dryer sheets can keep our clothes fresh, they contain many harmful chemicals, like benzyl acetate, which is toxic to pets if ingested or chewed. They can cause skin irritation, pulmonary edema, intestinal blockage, and kidney failure.
Alcohol
Ingestion of alcohol or foods and drinks with alcohol can be dangerous to animals. Additionally, inhalation and absorption of these can be dangerous, too.
Alcohol can cause gastrointestinal problems, respiratory problems, and kidney diseases in pets and could even result in death.
Caffeine
Unlike humans, pets aren’t tolerant to caffeine and can fall victim to caffeine toxicity. Dogs and cats are especially more sensitive to caffeine, and consumption can lead to vomiting, hyperactivity, high blood pressure, and, in some cases, seizures and death.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts have many benefits for humans, but they can also be harmful to pets. They are especially toxic to dogs, and the signs can be seen within 3-6 hours of consumption. Consumption of Macadamia nuts can cause muscle tremors and stumbling gait, and in case of excess consumption, can lead to pancreatitis, which can be life-threatening.
Batteries
Batteries, commonly found in household devices, pose a significant danger to pets due to their potential for ingestion and the toxic substances they contain. When pets chew on batteries, especially button batteries or alkaline batteries, they risk not only choking but also exposure to harmful chemicals such as lithium, potassium, and sodium. Ingesting a battery can lead to severe internal injuries, including burns to the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract, as well as chemical poisoning.
Small Plastic Toys
Small plastic toys can pose significant dangers to pets, particularly dogs and cats, due to their potential to be ingested or cause choking hazards. Many pets are naturally curious and may chew on or swallow these toys, which can lead to serious health issues like gastrointestinal blockages or internal injuries. Additionally, certain plastic materials may contain harmful chemicals that can leach into a pet’s system if chewed or ingested.
Rodenticides
Rodenticides are dangerous to pets and not just rodents. Their sweet taste attracts all pets and, when ingested, can cause bleeding, vomiting, kidney failure, seizures, and, in extreme cases, death. Rodenticides that contain Bromethalin, Vitamin D, Phosphides, and anticoagulants are more dangerous and can cause death.
Cigarette smoke
Cigarettes are harmful to humans, and despite pets not smoking, the smoke from the cigarettes, secondhand smoke, which is inhaled from lit cigarettes, and thirdhand smoke, which is the residue, can be extremely dangerous to pets.
Research indicates that pets living in smoking households are at an increased risk for various cancers, including nasal cancer in dogs and lymphoma in cats, as they often breathe in and ingest toxic particles while grooming themselves. Birds, small mammals, and even fish can also suffer from the effects of smoke, like lung cancer and sometimes death.
Essential Oils
Essential oils don’t have the calming effect on pets that they do on humans. In fact, they are dangerous to pets because their molecules are highly reactive to the compounds in pets’ bodies and are bad for their body chemistry. Additionally, pets are much more sensitive to smell, and the fragrant smell of essential oils can irritate pets.
Researchers found that essential oils can cause respiratory problems, asthma, allergies, and muscle tremors.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg, a common spice used in baking and cooking, is toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats because it contains a compound called myristicin. Ingesting nutmeg can lead to hallucinations, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, abdominal pain, dry mouth, and seizures.
Nail Polish Remover
Nail polish remover comes in various forms, such as cotton balls and bottles. Pets can easily ingest the cotton balls filled with nail polish remover, which can cause gastrointestinal problems. Nail polish removers contain acetone, which can cause skin irritation, kidney and liver damage, and lung problems in pets.
Fat Trimmings
Fat trimmings from meat, whether cooked or uncooked, can be hazardous for pets, particularly dogs, as they can lead to pancreatitis. Additionally, fat trimmings may also pose a choking hazard or lead to gastrointestinal blockages if ingested in large pieces.
Glue
Glue and other adhesives are dangerous to pets. They can cause skin irritation on contact, but if ingested, they can cause extensive damage to the pet’s body, including intestinal inflammation, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Certain glues, like Gorilla Glue, can expand in a pet’s stomach, leading to severe bloating and potentially life-threatening blockages that may require surgical intervention.
Plastic bags
Plastic bags are a significant hazard for pets; they can easily become lodged in their throats, leading to airway obstruction and difficulty breathing. Additionally, if ingested, plastic bags can cause gastrointestinal blockages, resulting in severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and potentially life-threatening complications.
Potpourri
Potpourri, often used to enhance the fragrance of a home, can be hazardous to pets because they contain toxic essential oils and other ingredients. Many potpourri blends contain substances such as cinnamon, clove, and certain floral oils that can cause gastrointestinal problems, vomiting and diarrhea if ingested. Some also contain branches and bark chippings that could pose a choking hazard.