• A. Hazard in the home:
• - Household items
• - Plants
• - Harmful foods
• - Objects
• - Trouble areas
• B. Hazard outside the home
• C. Holiday Hazard:
• - Christmas
• - New Year's
• - Easter
• - Valentine's Day
• - 4th of July
• - Halloween
• - Thanksgiving

Hazard in the home

The following household items have the potential to cause serious illness, or even death, depending on the amount ingested by your cat or dog. Store these items in a safe location, out of your pet's reach

1. Non- steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.)
2. Acetaminophen
3. Cold and flu medications
4. Antidepressants
5. Vitamins
6. Home insect products
7. Rat and mouse bait
8. Bleach
9. Diet pills
10. Disinfectants
11. Fabric softener
12. Lead
13. Lighter fluid
14. Mothballs
15. Anti-cancer drugs
16. Solvents (paint thinners, etc.)
17. Flea and tick products
18. Drain cleaners
19. Liquid potpourri
20. Slug and snail bait
21. Oven cleaner sprays
22. Lime / scale remover
23. Fly bait
24. Detergents
25. Tobacco products

Plants

Compare this list with the decorative plants that you have in or around your home. If your home contains any of the following, consider placing them in areas that your pet does not have access to or get rid of them altogether.

Harmful foods

1. Avocados
2. Chocolate
3. Coffee (all forms)
4. Onion & onion powder
5. Garlic
6. Grapes
7. Raisins
8. Macadamia nuts
9. Alcoholic beverages
10. Moldy / spoiled foods
11. Salt
12. Fatty foods
13. Xylitol (Gum, candies or other foods sweetened with)
14. Tea leaves
15. Raw yeast dough

Objects

1. Balls (specifically balls that are small or have a smooth outer coating)
2. Batteries
3. Bread twist ties
4. Buttons
5. Coins
6. Cotton swabs
7. Glass
8. Hair pins
9. Jewelry
10. Nylons
11. Paper clips
12. Plastic wrap
13. Socks
14. Rubber-bands
15. Sharp objects (Knives, razors, scissors, nails, needles, etc.)
16. String / yarn / dental floss
17. Towels
18. Wax

Trouble areas:

Here are some areas in your home that can cause or lead to serious problems for your cat or dog.

1. Balconies: tall balconies without safety railings may lead to a dangerous fall.
2. Bath tubs or sinks: when filled with water, a bath tube or a sink can cause a small pet to drown.
3. Doors and windows: open doors and windows commonly lead to dogs and cats running across busy roads.
4. Electrical cords: can cause electrocution if plugged into an outlet.
5. Fireplace: Flames can result in serious burns to your pet and ashes can cause illness if ingested.
6. Toilets: toilets water in not healthy for pets to drink; always remember to close the lid.
7. Washer and Dryer: your dog or cat can easily crawl onto a washer or dryer without you knowing, so be sure to close the doors to these appliances when you are not using them.

Hazard outside the home:

Below is a list of items found outside of your home that could injure your cat or dog.

1. Algae: can be found in ponds or other bodies of water, certain forms can be toxic
2. Antifreeze / Coolant: some types of antifreeze or coolant products contain ethylene glycol, which is highly toxic to dogs and cats, even in small amounts.
3. Fire pit / Grill: Flames can result in serious burn and ashes can cause illness if ingested.
4. Fences or gates: Opening in damaged fences or gates can be used by your cat or dog to run away or could lead to strangulation if they become stuck.
5. Deck lattice: your dog or cat could become stuck in the opening under your deck and possibly strangle.
6. Compost (particularly if moldy)
7. Gasoline
8. Oil
9. Pesticides
10. Swimming pools and hot tubs: Never leave your pet unattended near uncovered pools, even if they can swim.

Holiday Hazard

The holidays are special times during the year when families and friends come together in celebration. Unfortunately, many pet owners fail to recognize the potential danger that these special occasions pose. Below are some basic holiday items that could potentially cause serious harm to your pet.

Christmas

1. Holiday Plants: The following holiday plants are toxic to cats and dogs: Christmas rose, Holly, Lilies and mistletoe.
2. Ribbons: Sure it may look adorable, but placing a ribbon around your pet’s neck may cause them to choke.
3. Bubbling lights: Older forms of this attractive decoration may contain methylene chloride, which is highly toxic chemical.
4. Fire salts: contain chemicals that could be harmful to pets.
5. Angel hair (spun glass): can be irritating to eyes and skin, and could cause intestinal obstruction if eaten in large amount.
6. Christmas tree water: Stagnant tree water or water containing preservatives could result in stomach upset if ingested.
7. Decoration hooks: Can cause blockage and / or trauma to gastrointestinal tract of swallowed.
8. Styrofoam: Can cause your dog or cat to choke if swallowed.
9. Ornament: these can look like toys to your cat or dog, so keep them out of your pet’s reach so they don’t pose a risk for injury.
10. Tinsel: can cause choking or internal trauma if swallowed.

New Year’s

1. Balloons and confetti: these are among the common items used to decorate a New Year’s party venue; put can pose an obstruction or choking hazard to your pet if ingested. Be sure to keep an eye on them when they are around these items or place them in an area that does not have decorations.
2. Loud noises: New Year’s is typically a noisy holiday. Unfortunately, loud noises frighten pets and can cause them to run off. Keep your pet in a separate room, away from noisemakers, music and other loud sounds that may startle them.
3. Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are toxic to your pets and should NEVER be given to your dog or cat.

Easter

1. Fake grass: This colorful “grass” may look appetizing to your pet, but actually poses a choking and intestinal obstruction hazard if ingested.
2. Small toys and other plastic items: if swallowed, small toys and plastic Easter eggs can cause your pet to choke or even damage their intestinal tract.

Valentine’s Day

1. Flowers: Many types of flowers and plants that are found in bouquets are harmful to dogs and cats.

4th of July

1. Fireworks: Fireworks not only scare pets and cause them to run off, but they can also cause serious injuries if detonated near your dog or cat. Many formulations can be potentially toxic to pets if ingested as well.

Halloween

1. Pranks: Some pets, specifically black cats, have become victims of torture and abuse during Halloween, so be sure to keep your pet indoor.
2. Candles: Pets are naturally curious, and may be attracted to the bright lights of the flame in dark areas. Dogs and cats could either burn themselves by the flame or knock the candle over, starting a fire.
3. Xylitol: Candy or gum sweetened with xylitol is toxic and should be kept away from your pet.
4. Chocolate: All forms of chocolate can be harmful to your pet, potentially resulting in poisoning or even pancreatic inflammation from the high fat content.

Thanksgiving

1. Bones: Turkey, chicken and other small animal bones are very different from the large bones you find at the pet store. These small bones splinter easily and can cause serious internal damage if swallowed, so NEVER give them to your pet.
2. Hot containers: Your dog or cat will most likely become curious when they smell something cooking. Keep an eye on hot containers so that your pet does not tip them over. Causing severe burns.