Unveiling Undercover Perils: Surprising Household Hazards for Pets
While we usually focus on obvious dangers, such as toxic foods and sharp objects, many innocent-looking household items also pose significant risks to your pet. Discover what surprising objects in your home may hold hidden dangers for your pet, so you can better protect them from harm.
Laundry pods: The forbidden fruit for pets
Colorful laundry pods resemble a tasty treat to your pet—and, unfortunately, can look like candy to children. The enticing colors, intriguing scents, and squishy texture can attract curious noses and mouths, but ingestion of the concentrated chemicals and detergents inside can lead to gastrointestinal (GI) distress or poisoning in pets. To prevent accidental consumption, store them securely and clean up any spills promptly.
Fabric softener sheets: A scented snare for pets
Dryer sheets contain a cocktail of chemicals, including cationic surfactants, that are designed to soften laundry and imbue a delightful fragrance, but they can also harm your furry pal. If your pet ingests unused dryer sheets, they may experience GI and skin irritation, lung damage, central nervous system depression, and acute kidney disease. Used sheets that your pet ingests also can form a ball in the intestinal tract and create a blockage, so keep dryer sheets out of pet’s reach before and after use.
Hair ties: Not so fetching for pets
Of all the seemingly innocuous items scattered throughout your home, hair ties are some of the most perilous playthings for pets, particularly cats. Swallowing a hair tie can lead to an intestinal blockage that requires emergency surgical removal. Keep hair ties, rubber bands, and all string-like objects stowed away in drawers or cabinets inaccessible to curious paws.
Houseplants: From decorative to deadly for pets
Greenery adds life to your living space, but some plants spell doom for your pet. Did you know that lilies are highly toxic to cats? Ingesting the smallest amount of the plant or drinking the vase water can cause acute kidney failure in your feline friend. Other popular houseplants that are hazardous for pets include aloe vera, sago palms, dieffenbachia, and pothos ivy. Before displaying greenery in your home, verify its safety for pets and place plants out of reach to prevent unintended snacking.
Chewing gum: Sticky situations for pets
You likely think that sugar-free gum is a healthy alternative to regular chewing gum, which is true in your case, but not for your pet. Sugar-free gum, candy, and chocolate often contain xylitol, a common sweetener that's toxic to dogs and can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and liver failure if they ingest only a small amount. Keep your breath fresh but your pet safe by storing gum packages out of reach and disposing of chewed gum in a secure trash can.
Electrical cords: Shocking revelations for pets
A maze of electrical cords weaving along your floor is more than an eyesore—it’s a potential hazard for curious pets. Chewing on electrical cords can result in burns, electric shock, or death. Use cord protectors or hide cords out of reach or behind furniture to prevent a shocking catastrophe.
Alcohol: Not for your pet’s furry happy hour
While you may enjoy winding down with a glass of wine, alcohol is a big no-no for pets. Small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, coma or death. Ensure your pet's safety by keeping alcoholic beverages out of reach during at-home happy hours, immediately wiping up spilled cocktails if you’re hosting a party, and asking your guests not to share with your four-legged friend. Pets should celebrate only with water.
Batteries: The unwanted energy boost for pets
You're surrounded by gadgets powered by batteries, but did you know they pose a threat to your pet? Batteries contain corrosive chemicals that can cause serious burns if punctured or ingested. Keep loose batteries stored safely away, and be extra cautious with button batteries, which are small enough for curious pets to swallow. Dispose of used batteries properly to ensure your pet cannot chew on them, because used batteries still contain hazardous substances.
Safeguarding your home against potential pet hazards requires vigilance and awareness of the lesser-known dangers that may compromise your pet’s health. However, addressing these concealed risks proactively allows you to create a safer environment that helps ensure your pet’s health and happiness.
Keep in mind that a little prevention goes a long way in keeping your pet safe from toxic household items. But, pets often get into mischief despite your efforts and can suffer serious consequences. If your pet is in trouble, contact our Santa Monica Pet Medical Center team for immediate help.