As a dog owner, you might think your pup is safe in the home.
However, a variety of everyday household items and substances can be fatal to our furry friends if ingested, inhaled, or handled without care.
From toxic food items to plants and cleaning products – all can have deadly consequences for dogs.
In this article, we go through 19 household items that can kill your dog, and you must put them far away!
Rat Poison
Rat poison is a highly toxic substance that can be deadly for dogs.
It contains the active ingredient brodifacoum, an anticoagulant used to kill rodents.
This active ingredient disrupts the clotting process in animals and can cause an animal to bleed out internally or suffer from internal hemorrhaging.
If you suspect your pet has ingested rat poison, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately, as it can be fatal if not treated quickly.
Antifreeze
Antifreeze is a common household item that can be extremely dangerous to dogs.
It contains ethylene glycol, which is toxic to humans and animals and can cause severe organ damage when ingested by your pet.
Even in small amounts, antifreeze can be fatal to dogs; just a tablespoon or two can lead to death.
Because of this, it is important to ensure that antifreeze containers stay sealed and stored safely away from your pet’s reach.
Additionally, clean up any spills or leaks immediately, so your dog cannot access the toxic liquid.
Lastly, never leave antifreeze containers in the open where your pet can get to them.
Lilies
Lilies are beautiful flowers that can bring joy and beauty to the home but can also be highly toxic to our canine companions.
Lilies of the genus Lilium and Hemerocallis contain poisonous compounds to dogs, leading to fatal kidney failure if not treated quickly upon ingestion.
All parts of the plant – including leaves, petals, flowers, and pollen – are toxic.
To keep your pup safe, keep lilies out of reach or away from their environment entirely.
If you believe your dog has been exposed to a lily plant, immediately contact an emergency veterinarian for treatment.
Sago Palm Seeds
It is important to be aware that sago palm seeds are highly toxic to dogs and can even cause death.
The main toxin in the seed is cycasin, which causes severe liver damage if ingested by a dog.
Symptoms of poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, depression, seizures, and liver failure.
In some cases can take several days for symptoms to appear after ingesting the seed.
Left untreated, it can lead to death within just a few days due to organ failure from the toxins present in the seed.
Therefore, pet owners who have sago palms in their yards or home must keep them away from their pets as much as possible.
Onions And Garlic
Onions and garlic are toxic to dogs because they contain organosulfoxides and disulfides, chemicals damaging a dog’s red blood cells and can cause anemia.
Eating onion or garlic can cause gastroenteritis in dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
In severe cases, onion and garlic toxicity can cause bloody urine, jaundice, depression, and breathing problems.
If your dog has eaten onions or garlic, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately since the effects can be deadly without treatment.
It is best to keep onions and garlic out of your pet’s reach and never give them as treats or food items.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a common household item but can be deadly for dogs.
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs in large amounts.
The darker or more bitter the chocolate is, the higher its concentration of these substances will be, making it even more dangerous for your pup.
Eating too much chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and increased heart rate and seizures.
In extreme cases, it can lead to death if left untreated by a veterinarian.
It’s important to keep all forms of chocolate away from your dog at all times!
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts can kill dogs because they contain a poison that we don’t know much about. This poison can make dogs weak, sick, shaky, and overheat.
Dogs who ingest macadamia nuts often experience hind limb paralysis, which may last from hours to days.
If left untreated, this condition can lead to death.
In addition to the neurological effects of Macadamia toxicity, other symptoms include depression and abdominal pain.
Grapes And Raisins
Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs, and pet owners need to be aware of the potential dangers posed by these household items.
While the exact cause of this toxicity is still unknown, ingestion of grapes or raisins can lead to acute kidney failure in some dogs.
Ingesting even a small amount could result in severe health issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy, and abdominal pain. If left untreated, it can even be fatal.
Therefore, dog owners must always keep these foods out of reach from their pets.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute used in many products, including sugar-free chewing gum, baked goods, and toothpaste.
It is safe for humans to consume but can be extremely toxic for dogs.
Since xylitol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, even a small amount can cause an extreme drop in blood sugar levels, seizures, and potentially death.
It can also cause severe liver damage in dogs.
Always check the ingredients of any food product before giving it to your dog, as many items may contain xylitol without indicating so on the packaging.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages can be extremely dangerous and even deadly for dogs.
Ethanol, the main psychoactive ingredient in alcohol, is quickly absorbed into a dog’s bloodstream and can cause a range of medical problems, from vomiting and diarrhea to serious organ damage and even death.
The type of ethanol found in alcoholic beverages can cause more severe signs of poisoning in dogs than in other forms.
Any kind of alcohol should never be given to a dog, and it’s best to keep alcoholic drinks well out of reach at all times.
If a dog consumes any amount of alcohol, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately for advice.
Marijuana Edibles (Cannabis-Infused Foods)
Marijuana-infused foods are becoming more and more popular in many homes, but dog owners should know that these foods can be harmful to their dogs.
THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, is not only dangerous for pets; it can even be deadly.
Dogs who ingest marijuana edibles may experience severe side effects, including vomiting, disorientation, and an inability to walk or stand.
In some cases, they may even go into a coma or suffer cardiac arrest due to the large amount of THC present in these products.
For this reason, pet owners need to keep all marijuana edibles out of reach from their furry family members.
Cigarette Butts And Ashes
Cigarette butts and ashes are some of the most dangerous household items for dogs.
The toxic chemicals in cigarettes, including nicotine, arsenic, and carbon monoxide, can quickly be absorbed into a dog’s system through its respiratory tract or by being ingested.
Ingestion of cigarette butts or ashes can lead to vomiting, convulsions, coma, and even death.
To keep your pup safe, it’s best to avoid smoking around them or leaving any butts or ashes lying around where they can access them.
If you suspect that your dog has ingested something related to cigarettes, seek help from a veterinarian immediately.
Fertilizers And Pesticides
Fertilizers and pesticides can be extremely toxic for dogs if ingested or even just exposed to.
These chemicals contain a variety of harmful substances, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which can cause severe health complications in dogs.
In some cases, they can cause organ damage and even death in pets.
In addition to these hazardous elements, many fertilizers and pesticides have strong odors that can attract dogs, making it even more difficult to keep them away from these potentially life-threatening substances.
Dog owners should always take preventive measures when using lawn care products in their yards, such as keeping pets indoors while the chemicals are being applied and ensuring they don’t have access to areas where it’s used.
Rawhide Chews
Rawhide chews are a popular and seemingly harmless treat for dogs, but they can actually be quite dangerous.
These treats may seem like a safe and healthy way to satisfy your pup’s need to chew, but in reality, rawhide chews can be toxic for dogs.
That’s because many of them contain harmful chemicals or preservatives that could make your dog sick if ingested.
Additionally, the chewing process itself can create sharp edges or small pieces that might cause choking or even intestinal blockages if swallowed.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used by humans to treat pain, inflammation, and fever.
Unfortunately, it can be highly toxic and even fatal for dogs if ingested in large amounts.
Ibuprofen can induce vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, and kidney failure in pets, even with occasional use.
Thus, keep ibuprofen away from pets and seek a vet before giving them human medication.
Ibuprofen should never be used for dogs unless prescribed and monitored by a veterinarian.
Insecticides
Insecticides contain powerful chemicals that can cause severe poisoning in our canine companions.
These substances are designed to kill insects, so it is no surprise that they can have the same effect on dogs and other animals as well.
Ingesting even small amounts of insecticide can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death in some cases.
Therefore, it is important to keep all insecticides out of reach of your furry friend at all times.
Slug Bait Pellets
Slug bait pellets are extremely toxic and can be fatal to dogs if ingested.
Metaldehyde is the main ingredient in many of these pellets. It affects the nervous system and can cause seizures, tremors, paralysis, and even death.
At the point where nerves and muscles connect, metaldehyde stops the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
This makes the neurotransmitter come out in a way that can’t be controlled.
This can cause muscle tremors, seizures, and even death in animals.
Pool Chemicals
Pool chemicals, such as chlorine and other chemicals used to clean and maintain a swimming pool, can be very dangerous to dogs if they eat or touch them.
Ingesting these chemicals can cause serious health problems.
To protect your dog, it’s important to keep chemicals out of reach and store them in a secure location.
Additionally, make sure to clean up any spilled chemicals immediately and thoroughly.
It’s also wise never to swim in a pool with your dog while chemical treatment is being used, as they can be quickly affected by the toxins.
Household Cleaners
Household cleaners, such as bleach and other disinfectants, can be extremely toxic to dogs if ingested or inhaled.
While these products are designed to kill germs, they can also pose a serious threat to the health of your pets.
Household cleaners contain a variety of chemicals that are dangerous for your dog, including chlorine, ammonia, detergents, and solvents.
Be sure to store all household cleaners in a secure location where your pets cannot get to them.
Before You Go…
You now know the household items that can kill your dog.
If you want to learn more, read the following article too!
