We’re all human – sometimes we leave things laying around our homes without thinking twice. It can be hard for us to think like our pets, who are often determined to get into and eat things they shouldn’t. Whether it’s your child’s leftover Halloween candy or your medication, make sure the following are always put away in locations your pets cannot get to them:
- Acetaminophen: Found in tylenol and other medications, it can cause liver damage in dogs and be fatal for cats.
- Batteries: Toxic for both dogs and cats, and may lead to ulcers in the mouth, esophagus and stomach.
- Chocolate: Darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk or white chocolate, but most variations have potential problems.
- Detergents: These, as well as fabric softener sheets are moderately toxic.
- Ethylene glycol: Due to its sweet taste, dogs and cats are attracted to this substance found in antifreeze, windshield de-icing agents and motor oils. Some manufactures recently added bitter agents to reduce the appeal to pets.
- Fertilizers: If your lawn is being treated, keep pets away until it is dry. Many fertilizers contain poisonous amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc and other chemicals. Check the packaging, as some fertilizers must be rinsed into the lawn before it is safe to walk on.
- Grapes: The fruit, as well as raisins, currants and even grape juice, can cause kidney failure in dogs.
- Household cleaners: Since bleach, drain cleaners, ammonia and other agents are dangerous for humans to consume, it is no surprise your pet should not consume them either.
- Lilies: Easter, day, tiger, Japanese and Asiatic varieties can cause cats to have kidney failure or heart rhythm problems.
- Onions, garlic, leeks, chives: When consumed, these seemingly harmless herbs can cause gastrointestinal problems.
- Prescription & Nonprescription medications: If left on the counter or dropped on the floor, they are commonly ingested by pets.
- Tobacco: Ingestion of cigarettes, patches, and other products containing nicotine may cause a variety of health issues such as vomiting, tremors and collapse.
- Unbaked dough: If ingested, it can expand in the stomach, potentially cutting off blood supply.
- Xylitol: This sugar-free sweetener is found in chewing gum, mints and toothpaste, and can lead to severe drops in blood sugar when ingested.
- Zinc: Watch out for that pile of coins you may have sitting out on the countertop. Even ingesting one penny can be fatal.
Do not be afraid; preventing your pets from consuming dangerous materials. Make sure you put all medications, cleaning products, and cooking ingredients shut away far out of reach when not in use. Visit the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center for more information.
Courtesy of Yahoo!Shine
http://shine.yahoo.com/pets/26-common-items-dangerous-cats-dogs-134200758.html
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