15 Discreet Threats To Your Dog Lurking In Your House

One second, your dog is chewing on a children’s toy, and the next, it’s experiencing a choking hazard or an allergic reaction. Terrifying, right? Even seasoned pet owners might not realize the dangers to pets hidden in household products. Read on to protect your friendly companions in your space.

Toys And Small Objects

Fallen items such as buttons or toys may be perceived as playthings by dogs. Their natural curiosity can lead them to swallow these articles, resulting in choking or intestinal blockages. To make your home safer for your pet, consider storing small objects in closed containers and keeping floors clear.

Human Food

A variety of human food items, including chocolate, grapes, and onions, are dangerous to dogs. While your pup might beg you for a taste, consuming even a minuscule amount can cause serious health problems like kidney failure. Avoid feeding them table scraps and educate family members on pet-safe foods to prevent mishaps.

Medication

All kinds of human medication can spell trouble for dogs who ingest them. They tend to mistake pills for treats, leading to potential poisoning and lethal consequences. Instead of leaving your medication out in the open, store it securely and out of the reach of your pooch.

Cleaning Supplies

Household cleaners contain harmful chemicals, for example, bleach and ammonia, which can be absorbed through pets’ paws or noses, which leads to harm. To avoid accidental exposure, switch to pet-friendly cleaners and mop thoroughly to leave no traces behind on your floors or surfaces.

Electrical Outlets

Dogs, particularly puppies, frequently chew on cords out of boredom or teething needs. Couple this with uncovered outlets or frayed wires, and it is a recipe for disaster. To prevent injuries, use chew-proof cord covers and install outlet caps. Additionally, provide safe chew toys to redirect your pup’s attention.

Plants

Popular houseplants, particularly lilies and philodendrons, can be noxious if ingested, causing symptoms ranging from vomiting to severe reactions like organ damage. Before buying plants, check if they’re pet-safe or place them in rooms inaccessible to your companion. Replace any dangerous varieties with harmless alternatives to avoid accidents.

Essential Oils

Popularly used for relaxation, certain essential oils, such as that of tea tree or eucalyptus, are harmful to dogs. Even just the vapors from diffusers can trigger respiratory distress in animals. Reconsider using these oils in areas where your furball lounges or opt for dog-friendly substitutes to ensure their safety.

Pesticides

Rodenticides, insecticides, and weed killers are common around the house and yard, but they can be lethal on exposure. Drooling, vomiting, and tremors are some of the effects of pesticide poisoning in dogs. To avert any adverse reactions, look for non-harmful or natural pest control solutions to manage your space.

Holiday Decor

Shiny ornaments, tinsel, and strings of lights are to playful dogs what catnip is to cats. They may seem innocuous, but attempts to bite or eat these objects can lead to choking, intestinal blockages, or electrocution. Be mindful of your pooch’s well-being by placing decorative pieces out of their reach.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde, found in new furniture and carpets, marks its presence with a pickle-like odor. These fumes negatively affect your pet’s health. Prolonged inhalation irritates the respiratory system and causes eye irritation or cancer. Choose products marked as low-formaldehyde and adopt suitable ventilation measures to minimize the risk of this happening. 

Xylitol

It is a common sugar substitute found in gum, candies, and some peanut butter brands. Xylitol is highly lethal to dogs; a small amount is enough to cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, leading to seizures or worse. Always check labels before offering treats to your dog.

Batteries

The chemicals in batteries, if ingested, can burn a dog’s esophagus or stomach lining. They are also a choking hazard. Keep all battery-operated devices and spare batteries out of reach, and secure their storage areas to prevent accidental chewing or swallowing.

Ethanol

Just a tiny sip of drinks like booze with ethanol can harm your pup. These drinks can cause vomiting, difficulty breathing and even put your pooch in a coma. Always keep such beverages and cooking ingredients well out of reach to avoid mishaps.

Raw Meat

While some may inculcate raw meat in a canine’s diet, it often harbors harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, which cause digestive issues. Instead, opt for adequately cooked or veterinarian-recommended dog foods to keep your pet healthy and avoid unnecessary health risks.

High-Sugar Fruits

Fruits like grapes and raisins may seem harmless, but they can adversely affect your pet’s health, sometimes even causing kidney failure. Avoid placing these fruits within their reach, and always do your research before sharing a snack with your pet.