10 Things Poisonous to Pets in Your Home

10 Things Poisonous to Pets in your Home

Many common household items -- ones that we've never even thought twice about -- can be harmful and potentially fatal to our four-legged friends. Gretchen Lee Schoeffler, Chief of the Emergency and Critical Care Service at Cornell University Companion Animal Hospital, weighs in on the items to keep far away from your pets' paws.

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Chocolate
It may be the ultimate feel-good treat, but chocolate has quite the opposite effect on your cat or dog. The chemical methylxantine is toxic to dogs and in high doses can cause abnormal heart beats, seizures and death. In addition to the breed and size of your pet, chocolate type is also an important factor in the severity of intoxication. Dr. Schoeffler says the richer the chocolate, the higher the methylxantine content. Therefore, milk chocolate accidents are much less severe than cases involving Baker's chocolate.

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Gum
Overall, most gum is only a problem for pets if they ingest a large amount, but be aware of your dog digging into any amount of gum containing the ingredient Xylitol. Dr. Schoeffler says this new sugar substitute is proven to be fatal for dogs-causing seizures and severe liver damage. She won't even bring a pack of sugarless gum containing Xylitol into her home.

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Grapes/Raisins
Dr. Schoeffler says that vets have seen an increase in troubles with dogs who have eaten grapes or raisins in the past 10 years. While some dogs can handle a couple of grapes as a treat, others end up in the hospital on an IV. While the mechanism is unknown, ingesting grapes and raisins has lead to acute renal failure in canines.

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Potpourri
The essential oils in this fragrant mix can be harmful to curious cats and dogs who often spill it on themselves or rub against the dish containing the oils. The Cationic detergents in the hot liquid can cause significant burns in a cat's esophagus, mouth, and tongue. Dr. Schoefflerer says that these type of burns will prevent a cat from being able to groom itself. Try putting liquid potpourri far from your pets' reach or using an air freshener instead.

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Lilies
While these flowers will brighten up your home, make sure to keep them away from your cat. Even in small amounts, Lilies can cause severe kidney failure in cats. "Don't even take a bouquet home if it contains a lilies," says Dr. Schoefflerer. Be sure to take note of other toxic plants.

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Non-Stick pans
Have a bird? Then forget about cooking with your non-stick pan, says Dr. Schoeffler. When non-stick pans are heated to high temperatures, the fumes can cause a respiratory condition called Teflon Toxicity that can be abrupt and fatal.

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Fertilizers
Fertilizers may do wonders for your lawn, but they can be extremely harmful to your outdoor pet. Last year, the ASPCA received more than 2,000 calls related to fertilizer exposure. Pets that ingest fertilizer can suffer from damage to their digestive tract and life-threatening gastrointestinal obstruction. Be sure to follow instructions for your fertilizer before letting your puppy play in the grass.

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Paint
If you live in an old home with lead-based paint or are in the process of remodeling, make sure to keep a close eye on your pet. Dogs who chew on old paint or drink runoff from lead-based paint can suffer from lead intoxication. If left untreated, lead intoxication can be fatal. Dr. Schoefflerer has also seen paintballs pose a threat to pets. The paint pellets can cause an electrolytic disturbance if ingested.

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Human medication
Many people tend to think that if a pill is safe for a human, it's safe for a pet too. Dr. Schoefflerer says that's not the case at all. Human medication is considered to be one of the most common household hazard to pets. She identifies non-steroidal medications as the most common to our animals. Arthritis medication like Ibuprofen can be toxic. There are safe ways to administer medication to pets, but it must be done under veterinary guidance.

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