Indoor Toxins

We’ve all been there…eating a snack and our sweet four-legged friends come by to see what all the fuss is about, and you can’t help but want to chum them some of your delicious food. Think twice before doing it because it just might end up hurting your companion. There are several things we don’t think about as being toxic that we use every single day, but if these things were to be ingested by our pets, we would have a very sick companion on our hands. The following list of foods are the major culprits to illness in dogs and cats;

• Grapes
• Raisins
• Nuts
• Avocados
• Xylitol (Sugar-free sweetener)
• Onions
• Garlic
• Alcohol
• Coffee & Coffee Beans
• Chocolate

There are other household items that can be very dangerous for your pet, some are surprising but could be fatal if your companion gets ahold of them. These lists are an important thing to share with your family members and even with your guests that visit your home, so everyone can help keep your pet safe. The following household items should be kept in a secure place, so your pet can’t access them.

• Human Medicines
• Vitamins
• Plants
• Cut Flowers
• Pest Poisons
• Cleaning Products
• Dietary Supplements
• Heavy Metals
• Plastic
• Stuffing from dog toys

Outdoor Toxins

Keeping outdoor toxins away from your pets can sometimes be harder because you can’t keep your eyes on your companion every second they are running around. Taking certain precautions and making sure your yard is pet-proofed will give you a lot of peace of mind and help keep your furry friends safe from harm. If you decide to take your pet out into the real world, making sure their vaccinations are up to date is one major way to help protect them. Especially if you take your dog to a public dog park or spend time in city parks and other public areas that allow animals. Keeping your dog on a leash is another safety precaution that limits their exposure to certain hazards, including other animals. The following outdoor toxins are common sources of toxicity for our domestic animals and the damage they cause can be fatal, so take a mental note and remember to always have their vaccinations up to date!

• Fertilizers
• Mushrooms
• Grass Mold
• Pesticides
• Insecticides
• Antifreeze
• Certain flowers and bushes
• House paint

One of the best ways to keep your pets safe is to “pet proof” your yard. This process will have to be ongoing because new things grow, seasons change, and toys get picked apart. Training your eyes to do a brief yard sweep will ensure your pets aren’t getting into something that could hurt them. When there has been a lot of moisture or after a particularly heavy winter, grass mold and mushrooms are a real concern, so consider taking a stroll around your yard to make sure these things aren’t a threat. If you do run into any of these possible toxins, be sure to keep your pet away until the threat has been removed. Consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or need help identifying what toxins might look like. Better to be safe than sorry!