What if the biggest threat to your dog is right inside your home? That’s not far from possible because some everyday items may not be harmless to you, but they could be deadly for your pup. Here are 10 of those things that you need to start keeping away from your pet ASAP.
10. Paint
Love doing DIY projects? If you’re thinking of painting the walls next, be careful not to let your pup near the colorful drips and paint-soaked brushes. That’s because paint contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which could irritate your pet’s respiratory system and even damage their liver and kidneys. The FDA has included paints in the list of potentially dangerous items for your pet.
9. Rat and Mouse Bait
Most rodent poisons taste sweet and appealing, making them dangerous to pets like dogs. And if you think this won’t have any serious effect on your pup, think again. The danger depends on the active ingredient used in the bait. The presence of Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3), for example, can be fatal if not treated immediately.
8. House Plants
Many indoor house plants are toxic to dogs because they contain natural chemical defenses that can cause mild to life-threatening symptoms. Let’s mention an extreme one: sago palm. Even one seed from this plant can cause liver failure or death in dogs. Other plants to be wary of include Philodendron, Aloe Vera, and Peace Lily.
7. Toilet Cleaner
Dogs get exposed to cleaning products when they lick floors after mopping or drink from toilet bowls recently cleaned with bleach. These cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your dog’s sensitive skin, nose, and mouth. Even when exposed to small amounts, it can lead to drooling, vomiting, or respiratory distress.
6. Essential Oils
Believe it or not, some essential oils can be toxic to dogs. This is partly because dogs have a different liver metabolism, which affects how they break down compounds from oils (if applied to their skin). If inhaled in large amounts, peppermint, cinnamon, and citrus oils can cause serious health issues.
5. Garlic and Onions
Both garlic and onions contain thiosulfates, which are compounds that cause damage to your dog’s red blood cells. This can lead to a condition called hemolytic anemia, wherein red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are made. And without healthy red blood cells, there’s less oxygen being circulated in your dog’s body.
4. Human Pain Relievers
Dogs can accidentally ingest human painkillers when they chew into purses, backpacks, or nightstands where pills are stored. Also, don’t forget about the dropped pills! Ingesting acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil) can lead to stomach ulcers, liver damage, and even death in dogs.
3. Grapes
For decades, very little was known regarding the cause of grape toxicity in dogs. There were cases when after ingesting grapes, some dogs suffered mildly, while others had renal failure. New updates in vet science tell us that we’re getting closer to an answer. According to experts, the tartaric acid in grapes could be the culprit, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney damage.
2. Breath Mints or Strips
Breath mints are common in homes and they often come in noisy, crinkly packages that attract dogs. The biggest danger found in many breath mints or strips is xylitol. This sweetener causes a sudden release of insulin in dogs, leading to a drop in blood sugar. If they ingest a higher dosage, this may even lead to liver failure.
1. Chocolate
Chocolate, the most common sweet treat you might find in any home, is toxic to dogs. It contains theobromine, a compound that dogs cannot properly metabolize. Here’s a rule of thumb: the darker the chocolate, the more harmful it is to your pup. The types of chocolate with the highest theobromine content are cocoa powder, baking chocolate, and dark chocolate.