Household Dangers for Dogs

Dogs fill our lives with a love, joy, and friendship, and keep us smiling with their cute antics. Speaking of antics, Fido has a special way of being extra cute if he knows he’s misbehaved. However, not all of Man’s Best Friend’s pranks are amusing. Your adorable pet’s playful and curious nature can get him into some serious trouble! That’s why petproofing is so important. Here, a Lakeville, MN vet lists some household dangers for dogs.

Cigarettes

Secondhand smoke is just as bad for dogs as it is for people! Some pooches will also try to eat cigarette butts, which can be very dangerous. Avoid smoking near your canine companion.

Toxic Foods

If there’s one thing we can say for sure about Fido, it’s that he has a very healthy appetite. However, many people foods are toxic to dogs. Grapes, currants, and raisins are also dangerous: even eating a single grape can cause organ failure in some pooches. Other unsafe foods include garlic, onions, scallions, and chives; alcohol; pitted fruits; chocolate; meat on the bone; and raw dough or yeast. Ask your vet for more information.

Lawn/Garden Products

Many of the chemicals people use on their lawns, such as fertilizer, fungicides, and pesticides, are poisonous to pets. Fido could get sick just by walking through a recently-treated area and then licking his paws! Bone meal is also dangerous if ingested. Mulch is another concern. Dogs can choke or ingest sharp splinters if they chew it. Cocoa mulch is especially hazardous, as it’s toxic.

Kitchens

Dogs tend to get underfoot, especially when we’re preparing food. You may want to keep Fido out of the kitchen when you cook, especially if you’re working with boiling water or fat. You don’t want your furry pal knocking into you and getting searing-hot liquid spilled on you or him.

Pools

Many pooches love swimming. However, pools can be very dangerous for them! If you have a pool, make sure Fido knows where the stairs are. We also recommend fencing the pool off when not in use, especially if you use a pool cover.

Choking Hazards

Keep anything Fido may try to chew on out of paw’s reach. This list includes small or sharp objects, plastic bags and ties, wires and cords, and even small items of clothing.

Please contact us, your local Lakeville, MN vet clinic, anytime. We’re here to help!