Common Household Hazards That Could Harm My Dog

Common Household Hazards That Could Harm My Dog

No alcohol or chocolate. Chocolate in large amounts can be potentially fatal to dogs. 

Be careful around houseplants. Some plants, when ingested, can be harmful to dogs.

Be aware of where common antifreeze is stored or possibly spilled onto the driveway or garage floor where the dog might have access. 

Are all garbage cans secured, latched and out of harms way?

Common garden chemicals like snail bait, fertilizer and insecticides. 

Lighted candles. 

Please be aware of where your pet is at all times if you have a candle lit somewhere in the house. A house fire can easily start and spread quickly if they happen to knock one over by accident. 

Do you have a pool? 

If it is not securely fenced, all dogs must be supervised at all times. A dog can easily fall in and become disoriented and panic, even if they have been in the pool in the past. Ladders and stairs can be difficult to negotiate for paws. Also, pool water contains a lot of chemicals and can be hazardous if ingested, even in small amounts. 

Always keep your local animal emergency hospital number handy in case you suddenly need it. They can also refer you to the local poison control center if your dog digests potentially poisonous material.

Keep the lid down and the front door closed on all washers and dryers. The warmth of these machines and your clothes inside may draw your pets to sleep inside, and you may not know your puppy or small dog is inside the dryer when you close the door and turn on the machine. 

Securely lock up all human medications and non-prescription pills like vitamins and cold medicines in medicine cabinets.

For garbage cans, use locking tops or put cans under the sink and secure with child proof latches. 

Do not leave your dog in a hot car at any time of the year, even with the windows down and sitting in the shade. Temperatures can soar quickly and your dog can overheat causing permanent damage or death. 

During the winter, remember to wash your dog’s feet to remove de-icing salts, or better yet, fit your dogs with Velcro fastened boots.

“Dog proof” your home like you would “child proof” your home. Act like your dog is a child and provide the exact same security. All the same dangers that exist for a child also exist for a dog. They are like babies, toddlers and young children that never grow up. Please keep them safe.