Protecting your pet from household hazards

Hazards in the Home

Make your home a safer place for your pets by keeping them away from the following hazardous household items, plants, and trouble areas:

 

  1.  Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.)
  2. Acetaminophen
  3. Cold and flu medications
  4. Antidepressants
  5. Vitamins
  6. Home insect products
  7. Rat and mouse bait
  8. Bleach
  9. Diet pills
  10. Disinfectants
  11. Fabric softener
  12. Lead
  13. Lighter fluid
  14. Mothballs
  15. Anti-cancer drugs
  16. Solvents (pain thinners, etc.)
  17. Flea and tick products
  18. Drain cleaners
  19. Liquid potpourri
  20. Slug and snail bait
  21. Oven cleaner sprays
  22. Lime/scale removers
  23. Fly bait
  24. Detergents
  25. Tobacco products
  26. Algae* (Often found in ponds and other bodies of water; certain forms can be toxic)
  27. Antifreeze/coolant* (Some types contain ethylene glycol which is highly toxic to cats and dogs, even in small amounts.)
  28. Fire pit/grill (Flames can result in serious burns and ashes can cause illness if ingested.)
  29. 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.)
  30. Deck lattice (Your pet can get stuck in the openings under your deck and possible be strangled.)
  31. De-icing salts (Some formulations may contain chemicals that are hazardous to pets if ingested.  Look for "pet friendly" de-icing salts.
  32. Compost (particularly if moldy)
  33. Gasoline*
  34. Oil*
  35. Pesticides*
  36. Cocoa bean shell mulch fertilizer*
  37. Swimming pools and hot tubs (Never leave your pet unattended near uncovered pools, even if they can swim.)
  38. Plants - many common plants listed below:    

 

  Aloe, Amaryllis, Andromeda Japonica, Asian Lily, Asparagus Fern, Australian Nut, Autumn Crocus, Azalea, Belladonna, Bird of Paradise, Bittersweet (American & European,) Black Locust, Branching Ivy, Buckeye, Buddhist Pine, Caladium, Calla Lily, Castor Bean, Ceriman, Clematis, Cordatum, Corn Plant, Cycads, Cyclamen, Daffodil, Daylily, Devils' 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 Pathos, Heavenly Bamboo, Honeysuckle, Hurricane Plant, Hyacinth, Hydrangea, Iris, Jerusalem Cherry, Jimson Weed, Kalanchoe, Lantana, Lilies (all Lilium species), 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 Pathos, Schefflera, Striped Dracaena, Sweetheart Ivy, Tulip, Water Hemlock, Wisteria, Yew, Yucca.

 
    
*All contain chemicals that may cause serious illness depending on the circumstances of exposure.
 

If you think your pet has been exposed to a poisonous substance, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can help.  Call 1-888-426-4435 and also consult with your veterinarian for follow-up care.  It can save your pet's life.
 
The above is partial list compiled by the ASPCA.