Common Items in Your Home Are Toxic to Your Pet

Pet Care

We love our pets and try to protect them from harm. Sometimes things we suspect the least can do the most harm. Commonly used items in our environment can be deadly to our pets. Foods and sweets we eat with no ill effects can devastate our cats and dogs. Almost everyone knows the dangers of your cat or dog eating chocolate. Just 2 ounces can affect the heart and central nervous system of a 10-pound dog. Gum is also a bad one, only a few pieces can cause a drop in blood sugar. It contains Xylitol, a sweetener, which is used in a lot of candy. Xylitol can cause seizures, liver failure and in some cases death. Watch your pets around the candy dish during the holidays.

Onions and salt can both lead to serious health problems and in some cases death. Just 1 teaspoon of salt can cause tremors and seizures in a 10-pound dog. It only takes 3.5 ounces of minced onion to make a medium sized dog seriously ill. Raw or cooked it will affect a cat as well. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure. Only a handful of grapes or 1 half ounce of raisins is enough to cause upset stomach.

All of these things can lead to death in extreme cases. Alcohol, even a small amount, can disorient your pet. Most of us have noticed a cat eating grass at one time or another and thought nothing of it. Well, next time discourage it. Plants are not a safe snack; even a small amount can cause kidney problems for your cat. Milk is not always good for your cat either. Some cats are sensitive to it, so check with your vet.

Another thing is our dogs want to raid trashcans. Moldy and spoiled food can cause many reactions, some severe. You can try using a container with a securely fitting lid. In addition, if you put a weight in the bottom of the container they cannot tip it as easily. If all else fails try putting your trash bin in a pantry or cabinets where they cannot get at it.

If your pet does become ill call your vet and have the following information ready. Your pets breed, sex, age, weight, know what he ate and how much, if possible. List his symptoms clearly, be sure to mention difficulty breathing. If they have a seizure take them to a pet hospital immediately.