Common Household Hazards for Dogs & Puppies

Your main goal is to ensure your beloved pet stays healthy. Part of that responsibility is keeping hazardous substances out of your dog's reach. Our Ankeny vets share a list of everyday household items hazardous to your dog's health.

What substances are poisonous to dogs?

Our local veterinarians in Ankeny often come across cases where dogs, especially puppies, get sick because they've come into contact with things in our homes that haven't been kept safe or because their owners didn't realize they could harm dogs. Certain foods, medications, and substances commonly found around our homes may seem harmless but can be lethal if ingested by our four-legged friends. 

To help you protect your furry friend, here are some everyday hazards items of households that can be toxic for dogs:

Medications

It is essential to be vigilant when it comes to keeping medications out of your dog's reach. Over-the-counter medications, including painkillers, anti-inflammatory medications, and prescription medications, can be highly poisonous when ingested by dogs. Medicines that are toxic to dogs include (but are not limited to):

People Food

Our furry companions have different body systems than we do. This means that some foods we like are unsafe for dogs and can harm or even kill them. If your dog eats any of these foods, contact your vet immediately for assistance:

Veterinary Products

Keeping your pet healthy is important, and medicines and prevention products are essential for this. However, it's crucial to be careful with these items to protect your dog's life. Always follow your vet's instructions and make sure your dog can't access these potentially harmful products. Some veterinary things that can be dangerous if taken in excess are:

Household Products

There are a vast number of chemicals stored in most people's homes. While these chemicals perform a wide variety of useful tasks, most are extremely dangerous to the health of our pets. The consumption of these substances can quickly be fatal for our four-legged friends. Safely store all household chemicals, but especially:

Rodenticides & Insecticides

Rat poison and insecticides can take different forms and pose a danger to your dog, just like the pests they target. If you are dealing with rodents or other critters invading your home, be sure that your pet can't get into the substances you put down to deal with the problem and store these products up high or in an area out of your pup's reach. Some common chemicals that fall into this category include:

Plants

The list of common household and garden plants that are toxic to our four-legged friends is extensive, and we couldn't possibly list them all. Nonetheless, a few that you should avoid having in your home or garden include:

Signs & Symptoms of Poisoning in Dogs

The following symptoms may indicate that your dog has been poisoned:

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding horses or ponies. For an accurate diagnosis of your animal's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

This post doesn't list all the harmful things for dogs. If your dog has ingested something you aren't sure about, contact our Ankeny vets immediately or reach out to your nearest animal emergency hospital.