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Household Dangers for Dogs

September 15, 2018

Dogs have many wonderful qualities. They are cute, lovable, smart, friendly, and very playful. Actually, our canine pals may be a little bit too playful. Fido doesn’t always know what is and isn’t safe for him to play with. He also has a habit of eating, well, pretty much anything and everything. This is a dangerous mix! Therefore, you’ll want to take some steps to make sure that your home is safe for your furry buddy. Read on as a Washington DC vet discusses household dangers for dogs.

Small/Sharp Objects

Anything small or sharp can be a hazard to a playful pooch. This includes things like batteries, jewelry, nails, tacks, pens, fishing tackle, and coins.

Fencing

Fido loves to explore, and often seizes every chance to escape. If you have a yard for your pet to chase squirrels around in, make sure that your fencing is secure. We also recommend getting a self-latching gate.

Toxic Plants

Many popular plants are actually toxic to our furry friends. Azaleas, lilies, daffodils, and oleanders are just a few. You can find a full list of safe and unsafe plants online at the ASPCA website here .

Plastics

Plastic bags, wires, and ties can pose serious choking risks to your canine buddy. Be sure to store these things well out of paws’ reach!

Chemicals

Household cleaning agents, automotive products, paints, and other chemicals are very dangerous to dogs. Antifreeze is a particular concern, as it has a taste that many dogs like. Keep these things in secure, puppy-proof places.

Lawn/Garden

Herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and other lawn/garden products are very dangerous to your furry buddy. Fido could get sick just by walking through a recently-treated area and then licking his paws!

Food

Our canine companions are very, very enthusiastic about food. Be very careful with what you offer your pooch! Never give Fido anything that contains chocolate; garlic, onion, or chives; nuts; xylitol; grapes, currants, or raisins; alcohol; avocado; pitted fruits; or raw meat, dough, or yeast. Meat on the bone is also dangerous, as are small candies.

Fires

Candles and pets are not a good combination! Keep candles and potpourri burners in high, secure places. If you have a fireplace, put a secure grate in front of it.

Please contact us, your Washington DC vet clinic, with any questions or concerns about your dog’s health or care. We’re here for you!

Poison Prevention Week starts March 20th. This is a very important topic for anyone with pets. There are over 232,000 cases of pet poisonings in the US every year! Our furry friends don't know what is and isn't safe for them, so you'll need to take some precautions to keep your beloved pet safe. A Washington DC vet lists some ways to prevent pet poisoning in this article. Keep Cabinets Locked Many toxic chemicals and household products are stored in cabinets, often underneath sinks. Keeping these locked is a simple step that can prevent tragedy. Keep in mind that your four-legged friend doesn't have to actually eat or drink these substances. Because most animals lick themselves clean, they only need to walk through it or get it spilled on their fur to ingest it. Choose Non-Toxic Plants Plants are one of the most common culprits when it comes to pet poisoning. While there are many that are dangerous to all pets, others are more toxic to some animals than to others. For instance, lilies are extremely dangerous to cats, while Sago palms are a huge risk for dogs. Check the ASPCA site here for a list of safe and unsafe plants. Know The Warning Signs Although the signs of poison ingestion can vary, depending on the pet and the type and amount of substance involved, there are some common red flags to look for. These include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, agitation, restlessness, trembling, collapse, unusual vocalizations, and diarrhea. Pale gums are also a warning sign, as is a rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing. Cats may withdraw, while dogs may pace or whimper. It’s worth noting that while these things can be indicative of many medical issues, they should always constitute a call to the vet. Understand The Dangers It's also important to know what is and isn't poisonous. Some things, such as household chemicals, antifreeze, and rodenticides, are well-known. Others? Not so much. For instance, many people don’t know that a single grape or raisin can be extremely dangerous to dogs. Medication is also a common source of poisoning. Ask your vet for more information. Training This one applies more to dogs, of course. However, consider teaching Fido to Leave It. This simple command could help prevent tragedy! Do you have questions about your pet's health or safety? Contact us, your Washington DC animal clinic, today!

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