Pet-Proofing Your Home: Common Household Hazards
From chocolate to lilies, learn which everyday items are risky and how to keep pets safe.
Many everyday items are dangerous to curious pets. A quick walk through your home can prevent an emergency.
Foods to keep away
- Chocolate, coffee and caffeine
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions, garlic and chives
- Anything sweetened with xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is very dangerous to dogs
Plants and products
Lilies are highly toxic to cats, and many other common houseplants can cause illness. Store cleaning products, antifreeze, rodent poison and pest control products where pets cannot reach them.
Medications
Keep human and pet medications in closed cabinets. Pills dropped on the floor can be swallowed quickly.
Cords and small objects
Chewed cords can cause burns, and small objects like hair ties, coins and socks can cause blockages.
If something happens
If you think your pet has eaten something harmful, contact your veterinarian or a local animal poison control service immediately. Do not wait for symptoms, and do not induce vomiting unless a professional tells you to.
This article is general pet care information and not a substitute for advice from a licensed veterinarian.
