Naturalpet
top 10
Household Hazards
Even when we feel that we’re doing a good job of keeping our pets safe, we
can all be more vigilant, counsels the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Last
year, the APCC answered more than 116,000 calls, significantly more than the
year before. in response, the center has released a helpful list of the top 10
household product categories that typically prove hazardous to animals:
1. Human medications 4. Plants death in animals, especially dogs.
From over-the-counter pain relievers to Houseplants may look good, but many “Typically, the darker the chocolate,
prescription drugs, human medications are highly toxic, including common the greater the potential for poisoning,”
are the most common cause of poison- varieties like azalea and rhododendron. notes Hansen.
ing in dogs and cats. “Just one extra- “Lilies, for example, are highly toxic
strength acetaminophen can be deadly to cats,” says Hansen. “Even ingested 8. Chemical hazards
to a cat, and just four regular-strength in small amounts, they can produce This group encompasses antifreeze,
ibuprofens can lead to serious kidney life-threatening kidney failure.” Keep drain cleaners, pool and spa chemicals
problems in a 10-pound dog,” advises houseplants out of animals’ reach and and others. Hanson says, “These sub-
Dr. Steven Hansen, a veterinary toxi- provide safe alternatives, such as barley stances can cause a variety of problems,
cologist with the ASPCA. He suggests grass or catnip. ranging from gastrointestinal upset and
storing medications in a secure cabinet depression to respiratory
out of the animal’s reach. 5. Rodenticides difficulties and chemical burns.”
As pet food recalls tragically have
2. Insecticides shown, rat poisons and similar toxins 9. Physical hazards
In one recent year, the APCC handled can lead to potentially life-threatening Be alert for objects that could cause
more than 27,000 calls reporting prob- situations for dogs and cats, including choking, intestinal obstruction or other
lems involving flea and tick products, seizure or kidney damage. Consider saf- injury. “We’ve managed cases involv-
clearly demonstrating the toxicity of er, more humane ways of getting rid of ing the ingestion of several common
these products. Wherever possible, rodents, such as live traps. Just as parents objects—from pet collars and adhesive
avoid use of chemical-laden flea and baby-proof a home, why not proactively tape to bones, paper products and simi-
tick killers in favor of a holistic ap- pet-proof both home and property? lar items,” says Hansen. “It is important
proach to pest control through diet, to make sure that items that could be
supplements, grooming and natural flea 6. Household cleaners easily knocked over, broken, chewed
products. Google ‘natural flea and tick Bleaches, detergents and disinfectants up or swallowed are kept out of the
control’ for options. are just some of the household clean- reach of curious pets.”
ers that can harm furry, four-footed and
3. Veterinary medications other companions. Store all cleaners 10. Home improvement products
The poison center has seen a whopping in a secure spot; better yet, switch to The APCC has dealt with thousands of
93 percent increase in cases involv- nontoxic, green alternatives. cases involving paint, solvents, expand-
ing veterinary medications, such as ing glues and other products used in
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, 7. Chocolate construction and renovation. Advises
heartworm preventives, antibiotics and Don’t share this tasty treat with ani- Hanson, “Pet parents should keep ani-
vaccines. Minimize use of these drugs mals. Chocolate contains caffeine-like mals out of areas where home improve-
by consulting a holistic vet about alter- substances known as methylxanthines, ment projects are taking place.”
native treatments and therapies. which can cause abnormal heart For more information visit
rhythm, tremors, seizures and even
ASPCA.org/APCC.
52 Broward County
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