Guarding Our Fur Friends: Identifying and Avoiding Toxic Pet Products

You might not be aware, but it's important to know that certain products in your house can be toxic or even life-threatening to your pets. Understanding this can help you take the necessary precautions to keep your pets safe and healthy.

Our pets deserve a safe, pet-friendly home

Toxic household products for your pets

Based on the FDA Administration, the following products can be dangerous in your house if you have pets:

Edible Dangers

Some food and drink items that you consider tasty treats may be dangerous for your pet. As tempting as it might be to share your food or drink with your four-legged friend, please resist! Some of the more hazardous edible items include:

• Alcoholic drinks and food products containing alcohol

• Avocado (only mildly toxic to dogs and cats, but can be severely toxic, even deadly, to birds, rabbits, horses, and ruminants such as cattle, goats, and sheep)

• Caffeine (found in a lot of drinks such as coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks)

• Chocolate

• Fatty foods

• Garlic

• Grapes and raisins

• Macadamia nuts

• Marijuana

• Medicine intended for people or another pet, unless directed by your veterinarian (for example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for people, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, may not be right for your pet and may even be harmful; and the common pain reliever acetaminophen is fatal to cats)

• Onions

• Salt

• Tobacco products (including e-cigarettes and their refills)

• Xylitol (a sweetener found in products such as some sugar-free chewing gum, sugar-free candy, cough syrup, mouthwash, and toothpaste)

• Yeast products (like raw bread dough)

Non-Edible Dangers

Pets, especially dogs, will often eat non-edible items. Some non-edible items in your house or yard that may be dangerous for your pet include:

• Antifreeze

• Cocoa mulch

• Fabric softener sheets

• Ice melting products

• Insecticides and pesticides (even flea and tick products for dogs can be dangerous, or possibly life-threatening, if used on cats or other animals)

• Lawn fertilizers and weed killers

• Liquid potpourri

• Mothballs

• Paints and solvents

• Rat and mouse bait

• Various household cleaners (including bleach and toilet bowl cleaners)

• Swimming pool chemicals

• Salt dough Christmas tree ornaments and play dough

For more information:

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/potentially-dangerous-items-your-pet

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