Common Things in Your Home That Could Poison Your Pet

Most animal parents know about the dangers that household cleaners, automotive products, and even some people foods can cause for their pets. But how many other latent dangers are you aware of lurking in your house? Here is a list of common items with the potential to harm your beloved fur baby.

Pennies made after 1982

Is there any owner who wants their dog gobbling up money? Of course not, even though they can seem to do just that between the cost of food, toys, vet bills, etc.! On a serious note, pennies minted after 1982 have a high zinc content that can result in anemia and vomiting if ingested.

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Animal medications

Just as is the case with children’s medications, scientists have figured out a way to make our pets’ medicine tastier so that they are more willing to take it. However, the flip side is that your pet may ingest far too much if she gets her paws on a yummy flavored medicine. According to the ASPCA, veterinary products were responsible for over 9% of emergency calls in 2016.

Human medicines

Accidental ingestion of human medications results in over a third of animal emergency cases, according to the ASPCA. The pain reliever ibuprofen accounts for the majority of cases, but naproxen (another pain reliever) as well as antidepressants and ADHD medicines are also dangerous to animals.

Mothballs

Mothballs aren’t just toxic to flying pests. These clothes closest staples release a gas vapor that’s also poisonous to cats and dogs.

Chocolate

Dogs adore chocolate but it poses a poisoning risk and in extreme cases can cause death. Both caffeine and theobromine are chocolate ingredients that can sicken cats as well as dogs.

Essential oils

Essential oils and liquid potpourris used in conjunction with aromatherapy can be toxic to your animals, especially cats. Pets may experience muscles tremors, difficulty breathing, and vomiting upon exposure, so it’s best to consult with your vet prior to using these popular products in your house.

Expanding glues

Are you a DIY’er? If so, chances are good that you have Gorilla Glue or a similar product in the house. Such glues may seem harmless enough, but polyurethane glues can actually inflate in the stomach if eaten by cats or dogs. The end result could be expensive surgery in order to remove this foreign object from your pet.

Xylitol

The sugar substitute xylitol is safe for human consumption, but has been known to cause seizures in dogs (it’s safe for cats). Even a small amount can lead to low glucose, seizures, and in worst case scenarios, liver problems. If you use sugar-free products such as candy, gum, even toothpaste, be sure to check the labels for this potentially dangerous ingredient.