Lisa O.
Did you know that your home might be full of hidden dangers for your pets? Just like you would baby-proof your house for a little one, it’s super important to pet-proof your home, too. Even everyday items that seem harmless could actually put your furry friend at risk. Your pet is part of the family, so keeping them safe is a top priority. Here are 15 hidden dangers in your home that could be harming your pet.
Houseplants
Houseplants can definitely liven up your home, but some of them are bad news for pets. For example, lilies are super toxic to cats and can cause serious kidney failure even if they nibble just a little bit. Dogs aren’t off the hook either—plants like sago palms can mess with their liver, and philodendrons can lead to vomiting, drooling, and trouble swallowing. The ASPCA warns pet parents to be extra careful with plants like pothos, oleander, and peace lilies.
Human Foods
We all love sharing snacks with our furry buddies, but a lot of human food is actually dangerous for them. Chocolate, for instance, has theobromine, which is super toxic to both dogs and cats and can cause seizures. Grapes and raisins are another problem—even a small handful can lead to sudden kidney failure in dogs. The Pet Poison Helpline also flags onions and garlic as risky since they can damage red blood cells and cause anemia.
Cleaning Products
Cleaning products are a must for keeping our homes spick and span, but a lot of them have chemicals that are harmful to pets. Things like bleach, ammonia, and some floor cleaners can cause chemical burns, poisoning, or breathing problems if pets breathe them in or accidentally lick them up. The ASPCA suggests sticking to pet-safe products and rinse and dry surfaces well before letting your pets roam around.
Electrical Cords and Chargers
Electrical cords can look like fun chew toys for pets—especially curious puppies and kittens. But chewing on these cords can cause serious problems like electrical burns, shocks, or even deadly electrocution. Smaller pets, like rabbits and ferrets, are even more likely to gnaw on cords. PetMD recommends using protective covers on cords, hiding them behind furniture, or spraying them with stuff that tastes nasty to discourage your pets from chewing.
Medications and Supplements
Medications can be super dangerous for pets. Common medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can cause serious harm. If your pet gets their paws on antidepressants, birth control pills, or heart meds, it can lead to severe poisoning or even death. Since animals are naturally curious, they might think a dropped pill is a tasty treat. The FDA points out that many pet poisoning cases happen when pets accidentally eat medications that are left out.
Small Objects and Toys
Small things like buttons, hair ties, rubber bands, or tiny toy parts might catch your pet’s eye, but they can be really dangerous. If swallowed, these items can cause choking or get stuck in the stomach and intestines, leading to a serious blockage. Cats are drawn to strings, ribbons, and yarn—which can create serious problems if ingested. The AVMA suggests checking your home regularly for these small hazards and keeping them out of your pet’s reach.
Pesticides and Rodenticides
We all use pesticides and rodenticides to deal with pests, but these can be just as harmful to pets. Many rodenticides have anticoagulants that can cause internal bleeding, while some insecticides have chemicals that might lead to seizures or breathing problems in pets. Even if your pet doesn’t eat the products directly, they can get sick from munching on a poisoned rodent.
Essential Oils and Air Fresheners
Essential oils are great for making your home smell nice but are not always safe for pets. Some oils that you use—like tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, and citrus, can lead to problems like drooling, vomiting, breathing issues, or even liver damage in pets. Air fresheners and plug-ins can also release chemicals that can be harmful if your pet breathes them in.
Garbage Cans
Garbage cans can seem like treasure chests to pets, filled with tempting smells and tasty bits. But they can also have spoiled food, bones, wrappers, and other stuff that could lead to choking or poisoning. Spoiled food can cause food poisoning or pancreatitis, and bones—especially chicken bones—can splinter and hurt your pet’s insides. The AVMA points to using trash cans with secure lids or putting your garbage in places where pets can’t reach it.
Unsecured Windows and Balconies
Windows without secure screens and open balconies can be big hazards for pets. Even a small fall can lead to broken bones, internal injuries, or worse, a condition known as “high-rise syndrome.” As per the American Humane Society, you should install secure screens on all windows and never leave pets alone on balconies. Just a bit of extra care can help avoid serious accidents.
Laundry Detergents and Pods
Laundry detergents, especially the pods, are super concentrated and can be very harmful if pets get their paws on them. They might think these pods are toys or treats, which can lead to poisoning or burns in their mouth and throat. The Pet Poison Helpline points out that if your furry friend eats detergent, they might drool excessively or vomit. So keep all these products out of your pet’s claws and clean up any spills immediately.
Toilet Bowls with Cleaners
Toilet water that’s been cleaned with chemicals can be harmful to pets if they decide to take a sip. Even if the water looks clean, those chemicals can still upset their stomach, irritate, or poison them. Both dogs and cats might drink from toilets—especially if they’re open and easy to reach. Experts suggest keeping toilet lids closed and using pet-safe cleaning products to keep your furry friends safe.
Open Flames and Candles
An open flame can be really tempting to pets, especially curious kittens. They might swat at the flame or accidentally knock over a candle, which could lead to burns or even start a house fire. The National Fire Protection Association points out using flameless candles and never leaving pets alone in a room with an open flame to keep everyone safe.
Human Vitamins and Supplements
Do you think your dog needs vitamin D or other supplements? Just like people, pets sometimes need meds—but they definitely don’t need the ones meant for humans. Human vitamins and supplements can be very dangerous for pets. For example, iron supplements can make them vomit, have diarrhea, or even cause organ failure if they take too much.
Batteries and Electronic Devices
Batteries can be super dangerous if a pet chews on or swallows them. They have corrosive materials that can burn your pet’s mouth, throat, and stomach. Button batteries, which you’ll find in remote controls, toys, and watches, are especially risky. The Pet Poison Helpline suggests keeping all electronic devices and batteries stored safely out of your pet’s reach to avoid any accidents.
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