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Every dog owner should be aware of the dangers that surround their dogs in their very homes. While we often consider our homes a safe place where our dogs can be kept safe from harm, there are a few dangers that lurk in places you might not be thinking about. Consider the nature of a dog. What do they like to do? They are indeed very curious and love to investigate everything. Their noses wander, their paws travel, and their mouths tend to find the strangest things (an old slipper forgotten under the couch). Since most dogs don’t truly comprehend the dangers that surround them, it is important that every dog owner does in their stead. Cleaners Household cleaners are perhaps the most hazardous for any animal. Even spray cans can be dangerous (as sharp teeth can puncture a can), so hazardous cleaners should be kept out of paw’s reach. However, cleaners don’t often stay in the container because they are obviously used to sanitize surfaces such as countertops, flooring, and even dishes. This is something that is often overlooked because it’s difficult to imagine that cleaners can be toxic after they’ve been used. Mopping the floor? The floor is sanitized but it’s not safe. Harsh cleaners such as bleach and ammonia can leave residues, which are easily picked up by your dog’s paws. Dogs naturally lick their paws to clean them, which means they end up ingesting toxic cleaner residue as well. When cleaning an area, keep your dog away until the area has dried. Also, don’t let them lick the floor. If you use carpet cleaners, consider laying a towel over the cleaned spot until it has dried properly. Electricity Electrical cords are one of the deadliest household items. High voltage runs throughout the entire house and can easily threaten a dog’s life if they decide it’s interesting enough to chew. Because just about everything in a house utilizes power, it’s likely that cords will be accessible to them. Where do your power cords run? Can your dogs get to them? Check little spots where they can squeeze into as well, such as between the couch and table stand. If you have open cords, cover them with a rug and keep power outlets concealed or use safety prongs to plug up unused outlets. If you have cords traveling along the wall, consider running them up high out of reach. Two sided tape or hangers can be used to keep them up and out of chewing range. During the holiday season, this becomes an even bigger concern due to all the Christmas lights. You may want to consider keeping your dog entertained as well. Chewing is a habit that usually reflects boredom. They will want to naturally chew to keep their teeth clean, but excessive chewing amongst adult dogs is a common sign of being bored. Be sure that they have plenty of toys to play with and that they receive regular interaction. Household plants Plants have been renowned for both their beauty and their dangers. Some flowers, pollens, and even their fruits can be dangerous to dogs. Decorative flowers and plants should be researched before they find a place in your home. • Lilies can cause kidney problems in pets. Even the pollen can be dangerous, especially since it can fall on their fur and then be licked off later. • Tulips are toxic to a dog’s nervous system, often leading to convulsions. • Oleanders affect a dog’s gastrointestinal tract, leading to discomfort, loss of appetite, and cardiovascular issues. • Chrysanthemums are quite popular and pretty, but they also induce intestinal upsets, including vomiting, nausea, and poor coordination. There are a wide range of toxic plants, so be sure you investigate anything you are considering for decoration or are planting in your garden. Food This brings up the toxic foods that dogs should never eat. There are certain foods that we owners love to eat but a dog should never have, not even just a little bit. Onions are good for humans, offering plenty of nutrition and even stimulating the immune system but are extremely dangerous for dogs. Chocolate is well known for its toxicity to dogs, so be sure that you keep candy out of reach at all times and dispose of wrappers properly. Tomatoes aren’t usually considered toxic, but a number of dogs tend to develop intestinal issues such as diarrhea or allergies when they ingest them. Raw rice can be a host for many fungi, so keep rice containers out of reach. Even your house holds its own doggy dangers, so be sure you create an atmosphere in which your dog can play, sleep, and move around without worrying about injuring themselves. Take the time to make your home doggy safe and your faithful companion will love you for it. Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!
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