Our homes are filled with an array of different items and products for our convenience and comfort. While most are safe for humans to be around, some can pose hidden dangers for other animals, like cats and dogs. Here are 17 ordinary household items many of us have lying around that can be surprisingly toxic to our beloved pets.
Human Medications
Over-the-counter and prescription medications intended for humans can be very harmful to pets. Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), and aspirin can cause liver and kidney failure in dogs and cats if ingested. You should also take care to keep antidepressants, ADHD medications, and anti-anxiety pills well out of reach, as these can also be toxic to pets.
Essential Oils
According to Cabbagetown Pet Clinic, “Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang-ylang are straight up toxic to pets. These are toxic whether they are applied to the skin, used in diffusers, or licked up in the case of a spill.” Avoid using these oils or keeping them in the house if you have pets.
Household Plants
Many seemingly harmless houseplants can be toxic to your pet if ingested, including lilies, tulips, daffodils, azaleas, rhododendrons, dieffenbachia, monstera, and philodendrons. While most outdoor cats won’t eat house plants, dogs and indoor cats are more likely to do so. If you suspect your pet has eaten part of a plant, immediately identify the species and call your vet.
Rodent Poisons
These poisons are designed to kill rodents, so obviously, they’re deadly to pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats, and mice. But they’re also highly toxic to larger, non-rodent species like cats and dogs. Keep all rodenticides well out of reach, and consider safer alternatives (like baited snap traps or humane traps) for rodent control.
Easter Eggs
Do you have a delicious Easter egg or box of Valentine’s chocolates hanging around where your pets can find them? If so, this can be dangerous because chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to both dogs and cats. The darker the variety, the more deadly it is. Chocolate poisoning can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and even death.
Insecticides
Pesticides used to kill insects can also be harmful to pets. A study by the NIH found that pesticides were responsible for 37% of all suspected poisonings, with dogs (71%) and cats (16%) being the primary victims. All insecticides pose a potential risk, but those containing pyrethrins-pyrethroids are especially deadly. Always keep them out of reach in well-sealed containers.
Liquor
All products containing ethanol are toxic to cats and dogs, so never give them wine, beer, or the most potent and dangerous—liquor. Your pet may like the sweet taste of brandy or liqueurs but will easily suffer alcohol poisoning, including intoxication, respiratory depression, and even death. Keep all alcoholic beverages out of reach and clean up any spills immediately.
Cleaning Products
Many household cleaning products, including bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, toilet cleaners, and oven cleaners, are often dangerous for your pet. Many are toxic if ingested or cause damage or irritation if they come into contact with your pet’s skin or eyes. Store cleaning supplies securely and avoid using harsh chemicals around your pets.
Batteries
All types of small batteries can harm your pet if accidentally ingested. The casing alone can cause internal blockages, while the chemicals inside can be toxic if they leak inside your pet’s body. Keep all batteries out of reach of your pets and dispose of them safely according to local regulations. Be especially vigilant if your dog has a habit of swallowing foreign objects!
Fireworks and Firecrackers
Household explosives pose a danger to pets and wildlife in several ways—the loud noises can cause hearing damage and stress, while the chemicals used can be toxic if ingested. Animal Ethics also says the fine dust they create, known as PM10, is harmful when inhaled and warns that fireworks and firecrackers can cause burns or other injuries to unsuspecting pets.
Glow Sticks
The luminescent liquid inside glow sticks contains dibutyl phthalate, which tastes unpleasant but can harm your cat or dog if ingested. As well as being an irritant for skin and eyes, even a tiny amount in a pet’s mouth will cause hypersalivation, frothing and foaming, and possibly even hyperactivity and aggressive behavior. Give your pet plenty of clean water and call the vet.
Fishing Line and Hooks
Discarded fishing lines and hooks can be a severe danger to pets, who may see such objects as playthings. Fishing lines can cause entanglement, leading to choking or cutting injuries, while sharp hooks can injure your pet or become lodged in their mouth or digestive system, requiring surgery to remove them and repair any damage. Never leave lines or lures around the house.
Swimming Pool Chemicals
The chlorine and other chemicals used to keep swimming pools clean and clear can irritate your pet’s skin and eyes and be detrimental to their health if ingested; watch out for symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Keep pool chemicals locked up, provide plenty of fresh water, and supervise your pets whenever they’re around pool water.
Herbicides
Products that kill weeds are often toxic to pets, and you need to take care of when, where, and how frequently you apply them. The MSD Veterinary Manual states that acute herbicide poisoning in dogs and cats is typically only seen when the chemical is directly ingested, but that incidents also occur after animals sniff lawns, lick plants, or groom themselves after rolling on grass.
Vegetable Racks
Onions and garlic are alliums, and all plants of this type are toxic to cats and dogs. Onions and shallots are the most harmful, but garlic, chives, and leeks are also poisonous, especially if ingested in high quantities. Symptoms include gastrointestinal upset, red blood cell damage, and weakness. Never give your pet alliums, and always store these vegetables out of reach, even when cooked.
Dental Floss
Anything long, stringy, and strong can pose a hazard for your pet, particularly if you have a playful puppy or curious feline. Household items like yarn, thread, and dental floss can be very tempting for playful pets to play with or chew on, but can cause strangulation or tourniquet injuries or lead to internal blockages if ingested. Keep such items hidden, and buy proper pet toys for playtime.
Household Sprays
Many household aerosols and sprays, like air fresheners, hairspray, deodorizers, and insect repellents, contain chemicals that can be harmful to pets if inhaled or licked. The fumes can also irritate your pet’s respiratory system, and ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or other health problems. Keep such sprays in a safe place, and avoid using them around your pets.
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