Whether you consider your home a solid fortress or a cozy nest, you and your pet probably feel safe between its walls and insulated against outside threats.

But what about threats within? Many everyday items in our homes put our pets at risk of poisoning. Here are some tips from the Sixes Animal Hospital at BridgeMill team to help you detoxify your humble abode.

Keep out—store items out of your pet’s reach

The notion, “a place for everything and everything in its place,” may refer to housekeeping, but also applies to protecting your pet. Because many toxic hazards (e.g., foods, medication) are necessary in our homes, pet owners should ensure these harmful items are inaccessible to their four-legged friends. Some simple methods include:

  • Pantry organization — Keep toxic ingredients, such as chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, and onions, on high shelves. 
  • Pet-free rooms — Use barriers such as gates and doors to restrict your pet’s access to pet-toxic houseplants and flowers (e.g., lilies).
  • Closed containers — Keep small pet-toxic items in child-proof containers for additional security.
  • Vertical storage — Hang purses and bags from wall hooks instead of leaving them on the floor or table top.
  • Lockable or inaccessible trash cans — Use barriers to prevent your pet from munching on life-threatening leftovers.

Prescription for success—get smart about medications and pets

Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications are the most commonly reported pet toxins. As little as one pill or tablet can be fatal, and most curious pets ingest much larger quantities. 

 Pet owners must be meticulous about managing medications to prevent accidental ingestion and overdose.

  • Use child-proof containers — If you measure out your medications in advance, use child-proof pill boxes and organizers. Never store medications in plastic bags. 
  • Keep the original packaging — If your pet does consume medication, product information can help your veterinarian provide fast and accurate treatment.
  • Never leave loose pills on the counter or night stand — Loose medications resemble toys or treats and are easy targets for curious pets. If you need a visual reminder to take your medication, leave yourself a note or create a phone reminder.

Pets can also overdose on veterinary medications and supplements, especially if they’re formulated to look or smell like treats. Handle these products like human medications or, as an extra precaution, request unflavored formulations.

Sharing isn’t caring—don’t feed your pet from the table

Many common foods pose a toxic threat that ranges from mild to life-threatening. Take these precautions to ensure your pet’s paws stay off the table and out of trouble:

  • Establish clear rules about feeding your pet — Request that guests and family not feed your pet from their plates. Provide pet-safe treats for visitors who can’t resist spoiling your pet. 
  • Never let your pet sample prepared dishes — Dangerous ingredients such as garlic, onion, and chives are often hiding in casseroles and side dishes, while toxic raisins, chocolate, and macadamia nuts are often ingredients in desserts.

Tidy up—keeping a neat home can prevent pet exposure

Life is messy—and dangerous. Keeping your workspace in your home or garage organized and uncluttered can help you uncover hidden dangers, while a timely and thorough cleaning can reduce exposure to these lethal toxins.

  • Clean spills — Antifreeze poisoning (i.e., ethylene glycol toxicosis) occurs when pets drink from pooled liquid on driveways or garage floors.
  • Remove rodenticides — Fatal toxicities often occur when dogs and cats consume rat or mouse poisons placed by the landlord, previous homeowner, or tenant. Pets may also suffer from secondary toxicity if they consume a poisoned rat or mouse.
  • Shelve home repair items — Paint, stain, and other home repair chemicals can cause serious gastrointestinal (GI) upset, while some glue products can expand in the stomach and cause a  life-threatening blockage. Store these items on a high shelf or inside a cabinet.

Safety first—swap household toxins for pet-safe alternatives 

Pet-friendly alternatives, which are designed to be equally effective without the harmful ingredients, are available in place of many toxic products. Examples include:

  • Propylene glycol-based antifreeze
  • Humane rodent traps
  • Diatomaceous earth to repel slugs, snails, and other pests
  • White vinegar and water for cleaning 

No way, know how—avoid accidents by training your pet

Training provides an additional protective layer against toxin ingestion by teaching your pet boundaries and life-saving behaviors, such as:

  • Leave it — Teach pets to ignore a potential hazard such as a puddle of antifreeze or a dropped pill.
  • Drop it — Willingly relinquishing a dangerous item can keep your pet out of the veterinary emergency room. 
  • Come — Coming when called can help redirect your pet’s attention away from a potential exposure.
  • Stay — Stopping your pet’s action can save them from scarfing up a dropped item.

Your home should be a sanctuary for your pet, not a house of horrors. Recognizing and addressing potential pet poisons can protect your four-legged friend from unnecessary risk and illness—and protect you from potential heartbreak. 

If you know or suspect your pet has consumed something toxic, don’t wait for clinical signs to appear—immediately contact Sixes Animal Hospital at Bridgemill. For after-hours assistance, call the nearest veterinary emergency facility.