Household Pet Toxins

Pets can get into a lot more inside the home than we realize. Some pets are clever enough to get into the food bin with the secure lid or into the cleaning closet with all the household cleaning supplies. Sometimes they get into the garbage bag when you are not looking. It is important to stay diligent to ensure your pets are actually safe from pet toxins in the home.

From Food to Perfume, Potential Pet Toxins in Everyday Items

Any room in your home that isn’t empty may contain an item or substance that could make your pet sick. Products for cleaning and beauty don’t always come with pet warnings, but they do often come with dangerous ingredients. Inspect every room for unsecured toxins, especially the following:

• Kitchen
• Dining and living areas
• Bathrooms
• Bedrooms
• Closets
• Garage
• Storage sheds
• Yard and gardens

Pet Dangers in the Home

Did you know that some cat litter products can cause asthma? Did you know that feeding raisins to dogs could cause kidney failure? It’s surprising how many things pose serious health threats for our pets. Be wary of the following products:

• Carpet and furniture cleaning products, room deodorizers, and shampoos
• Bathroom cleaners, disinfectants, cosmetics, medications, shampoo/conditioners, soaps
• Kitchen cleaning products, disinfectants, soaps, bleach
• Garbage and trash contents
• Fabric softener sheets, bleach, detergents
• Motor oil, rat poisons, insecticides
• Food—Learn what foods are toxic for your pet (salted popcorn, pizza, potato chips!)
• Yard and garden supplements such as bone meal and blood meal, pesticides, insecticides, weed control products
• Room fresheners and essential oils
• Highly scented and dusty cat litter

Pet Safety Can Start With Healthy Treats

Natural foods, like grapes and chocolate, can be harmful to pets. Learn which foods are toxic for your dogs, cats, and other household pets:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Salt
• Spices, including garlic
• Onions
• Garlic
• Caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate)
• Xylitol
• Nuts

Ask us about healthy snacks for all your pets.

Household Plants Could be Toxic Too!

You receive a beautiful lily at Easter. The fragrance is intoxicating. Good looks and scents can be masking danger! Know your plants before bringing them home. Some toxic plants for pets are:

• Lilies
• Aloe Vera
• Ivy
• Jade
• Dieffenbachia
• Caladium
• Pothos
• Split-leaf philodendron
• Snake plant
• Sago palm
• Eucalyptus
• Hydrangea
• Amaryllis

Symptoms of Toxic Poisoning in House Pets

If your pet does get into something toxic, recognizing the symptoms of a pet poisoning early can help you save his or her life. Symptoms often include:

• Agitation, nervous
• Disoriented
• Tremors
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures, foaming at the mouth
• Trouble breathing
• Diarrhea
• Can’t stand up, weak

If your pet is suffering from any of these symptoms, call us immediately at (610) 589-5019 for first aid information. Travel safely but get your pet in to us right away!

Ask Us About Pet Safety at Home

At Conrad Weiser Animal Hospital, we are here for you and your pets. Contact us about pet safety in the home, outside, and when you travel. We want our fur families to live long, happy, and healthy lives!