Crawford Animal Hospital

101 Things You Didn’t Know Could Harm Your Pet

 

Household Items

 

 Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, aspirin, etc)

 Acetaminophen

 Cold and flu medication

 Antidepressants

 Vitamins

 Home insect products

 Rat and mouse bait

 Bleach

 Diet pills

 Disinfectants

 Fabric softener

 Lead

 Lighter fluid

 Mothballs

 Anti-cancer drugs

 Solvents (paint thinners, etc.)

 Flea and tick products

 Drain cleaners

 Liquid potpourri

 Slug and snail bait

 Oven cleaner sprays

 Lime/scale remover

 Fly bait

 Detergents

 Tobacco products
 

Plants


26. Common pants (Aloe, Amaryllis, Andromeda Japonica, Asian Lily, Asparagus Fern, Australian Nut, Autumn Crocus, Azalea, Belladonna, Bittersweet, Black Locust, Branching Ivy, Buckeye, Buddhist Pine, Caladium, Calla Lily, Castor Bean, Ceriman, Clematis, Cordatum, Corn Plant, Cycads, Cyclamen, Daffodil, Daylily, Devil’s Ivy, Dieffenbachia, Dumbcane, Easter Lily, Elephant Ears, Emerald Fern, English Ivy, Eucalyptus, Ferns, Fiddle-leaf Philodendron, Gold Dust Dracaena, Florida Beauty, Foxglove, Glacier Ivy, Gladiolas, Golden Pothos, Heavenly Bamboo, Honeysuckle, Hurricane Plant, Hyacinth, Hydrangea, Iris, Jerusalem Cherry, Jimson Weed, Kalanchoe, Lantana, Lilies, Lily of the Valley, Lupine, Marble Queen, Morning Glory, Mother-In-Law, Mountain Laurel, Narcissus, Needlepoint Ivy, Nephthysis, Nightshade, Oleander, Panda, Peace Lily, Philodendron, Poison Hemlock, Precatory Bean (rosary pea), Privet, Red Emerald, Rhododendron, Ribbon Plant, Sago Palm, Satin Pothos, Schefflera, Striped Dracaena, Sweetheart Ivy, Tulip, Water Hemlock, Wisteria, Yew, Yucca)

Harmful Foods

 

 Avacados

 Chocolate (all forms)

 Coffee (all forms)

 Onions and onion powder

 Garlic

 Grapes

 Raisins

 Macadamia nuts

 Alcoholic beverages

 Moldy/spoiled foods

 Salt

 Fatty foods

 Gum, candies, or other foods sweetened with xylitol

 Tea leaves

 Raw yeast dough

 

Objects

 

 Balls

 Batteries

 Bread twist ties

 Buttons

 Coins

 Cotton swabs

 Glass

 Hair pins

 Jewelry

 Nylons

 Paper clips

 Plastic wrap

 Socks

 Rubber-bands

 Sharp objects

 String, yarn, or dental floss

 Towels

 Wax

 

Trouble Areas

 

Balconies – Tall balconies without safety railings, or railings spaced too far apart, can lead to a dangerous fall.

 Bath tubs or sinks – Small pets can drown in full bathtubs or sinks.

 Doors and windows – Dogs and cats can run away if they find an open door or window. Windows should have screens to prevent pets from falling out.

Electrical cords – Your pets can be electrocuted if they bite or chew on electrical cords that are plugged in.

 Fireplace – Your pets can be burned by the flames or get sick if they eat the ashes.

 Toilets – Toilet water is not healthy for pets to drink; always remember to close the lid.

 Washer and dryer – Your pets can crawl into a washer or dryer without your knowledge; close the doors to these appliances when you’re not using them.

 

Outside

 

Algae – Can be found in ponds or other bodies of water; certain forms can be toxic.

Antifreeze/Coolant – Some types of antifreeze or coolant products contain ethylene glycol, which is highly toxic to dogs and cats, even in small amounts.

 Fire pit/Grill – Flames can result in serious burns and ashes can cause illness if ingested.

 Fences or Gates – Your pets can run away if they find openings in damaged fences or gates. They can also get hurt or strangled if they get stuck.

 Deck lattice – Your dogs or cats can get stuck in the openings under your deck.

 De-icing salts – Some formulations may contain chemicals that are hazardous to pets if ingested in large amounts. Look for “pet- friendly” de-icing salts.

 Compost

 Gasoline

 Oil

 Pesticides

 Cocoa bean shell mulch fertilizer

 Swimming pools and hot tubs

 

Holiday Hazards

 

Alcohol – Alcoholic beverages are toxic to pets and should NEVER be given to them during the holidays or any other time.
 

Valentine’s Day

 Flowers and Candy – Many types of flowers and plants found in bouquets are harmful to dogs and cats if they are ingested. Chocolates can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures.

Easter

 Fake Grass – This colorful “grass” may look appetizing toy our pets, but it cause them to choke or obstruct their intestines if ingested.

 Small toys and other plastic items – if swallowed, small toys and plastic Easter eggs can cause your pet to choke or even damage their intestinal tracts.

4th of July

 Fireworks – Fireworks can scare your pets making them run off, or cause serious injuries if detonated near them. Many formulations are also toxic if ingested.

Halloween

Repeatedly opening doors to greet trick-or-treaters can increase the chances of your pets running out. Keep an eye on their whereabouts at all times.

Candles – pets are naturally curious, and may be attracted to the bright lights of the flame in dark areas.

 Xylitol – Candy or gum sweetened with xylitol is toxic and should be kept away from your pet.

 All forms of chocolate can be harmful to your pet, potentially resulting in poisoning or even pancreatic inflammation from the high fat content.

Thanksgiving

 Bones – Turkey, chicken, and other small animal bones are very different from the large bones you find at the pet store. These small bones splinter easily and can cause serious internal damage if swallowed, so NEVER give them to your pets.

 Hot containers – Your dog or cat will most likely become curious when they smell something cooking. Keep an eye on hot containers so that your pet does not tip them over and get burned.


Christmas

 Holiday plants – Christmas rose, Holly, Lilies and Mistletoe are all toxic to dogs and cats.

 Ribbons – It may look adorable, but placing a ribbon around your pet’s neck may cause them to choke.

 Bubbling lights – Older forms of this attractive decoration may contain methylene chloride, which is a highly toxic chemical.

 Fire salts – Contain chemicals that could be harmful to pets.

 Angel hair (spun glass) – Can be irritating to the eyes and skin, and could cause intestinal obstruction if eaten in large amounts.

 Christmas tree water – Stagnant tree water or water containing preservatives could result in stomach upset if ingested.

 Decoration hooks – Can cause blockage and/or trauma to gastrointestinal tract if swallowed.

 Styrofoam – Can cause pets to choke if swallowed.

 Ornaments – These can look like toys to cats and dogs, but they can cause serious injury, especially if your pets break or swallow them.

 Tinsel – Can cause choking or internal trauma if swallowed.


New Year’s

Balloons and Confetti – These fun New Year’s party decorations can cause your pets to choke or obstruct their intestines if ingested.

Loud noises – New Year’s is typically a noisy holiday. Unfortunately, loud noises frighten pets and can cause them to run off. Keep your pets in a separate room away from all the noise.

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