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Articles Dog Health and Care Is Your Dog Safe from These Common Household Hazards?
Articles Dog Health and Care Is Your Dog Safe from These Common Household Hazards? | Is Your Dog Safe from These Common Household Hazards? |
| Written by Jim Navary | ||||||||
| Monday, 18 May 2009 | ||||||||
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Are you aware of the wide range of common household items and products that can be hazardous to your dog's health? Although it is not all-inclusive, this article is intended to help you recognize some of the common hazards found in the home.
Are you aware of the wide range of common household items and products that can be hazardous to your dog's health? Although it is not all-inclusive, this article is intended to help you recognize some of the common hazards found in the home. Home Cleaning Products While many household cleaning products can be used safely around dogs, it is essential that proper storage and use directions be followed. Product labels normally include appropriate warnings when their use presents a potential hazard. Check labels for statements such as "keep children and pets away from area until thoroughly dry". While cleaners containing chlorine bleach are useful for disinfecting household surfaces when used safely, they can cause severe chemical burns when skin contact is made and may prove deadly if swallowed. Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and stomach upset are typical symptoms of ingestion of these products. To eliminate accidents with household cleaning products it is important to keep them in the original packaging if the packaging can be securely re-sealed. Containers that cannot be re-sealed should be discarded after transferring the contents to a properly labeled container that can be securely closed. Insecticides and Herbicides Keep flea and tick control products, intended for external use only, well out of your dog's reach to avoid over exposure or ingestion. These products contain poisonous chemicals that can be very harmful to your pet if applied improperly. Ingestion of mouse and rat poisons can be life-threatening. These products must be kept well sealed and out of of harm's way. Other insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and similar gardening products may also be hazardous to your dog if ingested. When these substances are applied to lawns and pets are exposed to wet or granular chemicals, severe skin reactions may occur. Should the chemicals stick to your dog's paws, he may lick them and be sickened. Be sure to keep pets away from any treated area for at least the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer. Food Hazards A number of foods that are not only safe, but that are even considered healthy choices for humans, can be dangerous or even deadly to dogs. Keep the following foods out of your dog's diet: Chocolate, Yeast Dough, Chewing Gum, Persimmons, Grapes/Raisins, Alcohol, Onions, Coffee & Grounds, Tea, Potato Peelings, Nutmeg, Mushrooms, Garlic, Avocados, Nuts, Salt, Raw Eggs or Fish, Most Bones, Baking Soda/Powder, and Sugar Free Foods Containing Xylitol. Keep household garbage in securely closed trash cans. For some reason dogs seem to find garbage in plastic trash bags absolutely irresistible and they can easily rip them open in search of "goodies". However, rotting food can be harboring nasty bacteria and molds that could cause your dog to suffer from food poisoning. Hazards in the Bathroom Unless your veterinarian specifically instructs you to do so, never give your dog medications that are used to treat humans. To avoid accidental poisoning, keep all medicine in tightly closed, secured containers well away from your pooch. Particularly hazardous over-the-counter medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, antihistamines, cold medicines, vitamins, diet pills, and topical creams/ointments. Health and beauty products found in most bathrooms, such as toothpaste, nail care products, skin lotions, and even some scented soaps can cause diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting. Also, since dogs seem to love to drink from toilet bowls, keep those lids closed. Harsh chemicals used in toilet bowl cleaners may be hazardous for your dog. Hazardous Plants Some plants typically found in homes and in the yard can be hazardous to a dog's health. A few of the common plants that may be dangerous include: Rhododendron, English Ivy, Sago Palm, Cyclamen, Yew, Amaryllis, Autumn Crocus, Pothos, Chrysanthemum, Schefflera, Lilies, Tulip and Narcissus Bulbs, Oleander, Azalea, Hydrangea and Hibiscus The ASPCA website has a very useful searchable data base of both non-toxic and toxic plants for dogs, cats, and horses. Visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/ to access their system. Other Household Hazards -- Mothballs can be toxic to dogs particularly those containing naphthalene. They can result in blood cell damage, swelling of brain tissue, seizures, coma, and even death. -- Ethylene glycol antifreeze and coolants can be fatal, even is very small quantities. Although less toxic, propylene glycol antifreeze can still be dangerous. -- Paints and Solvents -- Small objects that fall on the floor can be easily swallowed by a curious dog. Such items as coins, small toys, jewelry, screws, nails, buttons, batteries, etc. may result in internal injuries and may require surgery to remove them. -- Strings, ribbons, and similar items can damage your dog's intestines and could be fatal if not surgically removed. -- Electrical cords should be covered and blocked to prevent access. Chewing on a live wire could prove deadly. -- Electrical cords should be covered and blocked to prevent access. Chewing on a live wire could prove deadly. WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG IS POISONED Do Not Delay! Quick action is essential for successful treatment of accidental poisoning. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-425-4435. Be ready to provide your dog's age, weight, breed, and any symptoms observed. Have the product container or a sample of the plant with you so that the poison can be properly identified and an appropriate treatment can be prescribed. About the Author: Views: 380
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