{"id":5956,"date":"2021-04-21T14:58:29","date_gmt":"2021-04-21T14:58:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aercmn.com\/?p=5956"},"modified":"2021-04-21T14:58:29","modified_gmt":"2021-04-21T14:58:29","slug":"six-common-household-items-that-are-hazardous-to-pets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/six-common-household-items-that-are-hazardous-to-pets\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Common Household Items that are Hazardous to Pets"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"cat,<\/p>\n

If you witnessed or strongly suspect your pet ingested a toxic item, this is considered an \u201cORANGE\u201d \u2013 or urgent case \u2013 on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend calling ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 for help determining if your pet consumed a toxic amount and for guidance on what to do next. If veterinary care is advised, call your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital ahead of your arrival.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Springtime often encourages people to spruce up their homes. From fixing things to cleaning and organizing \u2013 there\u2019s a lot of work to get done! But before you dive into that to-do list, make sure you are keeping your pets safe! There are many potential pet dangers around the home that pet owners often overlook.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>So,<\/span><\/span>\u00a0put your feet up\u00a0<\/span><\/span>and\u00a0<\/span><\/span>take a quick break <\/span><\/span>as you review this list of the six most common household items that are hazardous to pets:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"cat,<\/p>\n

1. Household Cleaning Products<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

Many pets love strong smells\u00a0<\/span><\/span>and<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>may<\/span><\/span>\u00a0attempt to lick up\u00a0<\/span><\/span>cleaning supplies<\/span><\/span><\/a>. Pine-Sol is the most toxic, as it contains pine oils. Air fresheners, furniture polish, all-purpose cleaners, and disinfectant cleaners that contain Phenols are also toxic. (Note: Lotions, hair products, dental hygiene products, cold medications, and a variety of other items may also contain Phenols). <\/span><\/span>Most often, cleaning products irritate a pet\u2019s mouth and skin when exposed. Keep in mind that cats are much more likely to be affected than dogs, and sadly, they often experience neurological and cardiovascular symptoms.<\/p>\n

\"dog,<\/p>\n

2. Soaps & Detergents<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Soaps and detergents such as Tide Pods, fabric softeners, and laundry detergents contain alcohols and surfactants that help to lift stains from clothes. If ingested by your pet, they become rapidly absorbed and often cause GI issues such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. They can also irritate the mouth and cause drooling, gagging, and bleeding inside the mouth. It\u2019s very important that you do NOT try to induce vomiting at home with these types of products as they can cause aspiration pneumonia.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"gorilla<\/p>\n

3. Gorilla Glue\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n

Gorilla glue and diisocyanate glues are very dangerous to pets. These glues rapidly expand and they become incredibly firm. A large, firm object in your pet\u2019s stomach can cause obstruction which usually requires surgery. Your family veterinarian will recommend x-rays and an ultrasound to confirm the glue\u2019s presence. Signs often include GI upset such as drooling, retching, and abdominal pain.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"magnets,<\/p>\n

4. Magnets<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

One small magnet most likely won\u2019t do too much damage, but if your pet swallows multiple magnets or a magnet and a metal object, the magnet\u2019s power of attraction can wreak havoc on your pet\u2019s internal organs. If you suspect your pet swallowed multiple magnets, seek immediate veterinary attention for x-rays.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"mothballs,<\/p>\n

5. Mothballs<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Mothballs<\/a> are very toxic to pets because they are typically made of naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene (with naphthalene being the more toxic of the two). These toxins can be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. If your pet is exposed, almost all organ systems can be affected including the eyes, skin, cardiovascular system, central nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract. Common signs include nausea, vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain, depression, trembling, tremors, walking \u201cdrunk\u201d, seizures, pale gums, rapid breathing, and respiratory distress. These signs may be visible within minutes to hours. <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"air<\/p>\n

6. Artificial Scents & Essential Oils<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

We recently discussed the dangers of essential oils in a <\/span><\/span>previous blog post<\/span><\/span><\/a>. Beware\u00a0<\/span><\/span>that other artificial scents and sprays<\/span><\/span>\u00a0are also toxic to your pets. Many of the types of products are irritating if your pet\u2019s eyes, skin, and mouth<\/span><\/span>\u00a0are directly<\/span><\/span>\u00a0exposed<\/span><\/span>. The strong fumes often cause respiratory distress due to inflammation if inhaled \u2013 this is especially dangerous for pet birds. Seek immediate veterinary attention if your aerosolized scent has holes on it or if you suspect your pet was accidentally directly exposed!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"dog,<\/p>\n

Now, we\u2019d hate to add on to your to-do list, but we highly encourage you moving any of these hazardous items to a secure location out of your pet\u2019s reach! If your pet does get into any of these items or if you have any concerns, contact your family veterinarian.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>In the event\u00a0<\/span><\/span>that<\/span><\/span>\u00a0you experience\u00a0<\/span><\/span>a pet\u00a0<\/span><\/span>emergency<\/span><\/span>\u00a0and your family veterinarian is unavailable, contact ASPCA Animal Poison\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/span>Control at<\/span><\/span>\u00a0888-426-4435 or your local animal emergency hospital.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

W<\/span><\/span>ritten by Jo Daney, DVM<\/span><\/span><\/em>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Animal<\/p>\n

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