6 Common Household Dangers for your Dog: Poison Prevention Tips Every Pet Parent Should Know

Many conventional household cleaning supplies are toxic to pets, such as Windex, Pledge, and Lysol. The active ingredients in these products – including ammonia, bleach, and chlorine – can cause adverse reactions, even if inhaled. Never leave out any kind of cleaning solution or chemical, and always supervise your pet. If keeping products out of reach and in cabinets is not enough to keep a curious cat or pup away, child-proof latches and locks are a great way to keep your pet out of harm’s way. 

2. Fertilizer & Mulch 

Ingesting fertilizers, especially those high in nitrogen or containing pesticides or herbicides, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues, and in some cases, more severe symptoms. By itself, fertilizer may only cause gastrointestinal upset, however, many fertilizers contain chemicals called carbamates which can be fatal if ingested. Consumption of such chemicals can lead to seizures, difficulty breathing, fever, or death. Read more about the dangers of fertilizers and mulch for dogs here.  

3. Pesticides & Rodenticides 

Pesticides and rodenticides are designed to keep unwanted critters away, but can be just as lethal to pets. Consumption of rat poison itself is not the only danger that rodenticides pose to pets. If a pet eats a poisoned rat or mouse, they can still be affected by the toxic bait and can suffer seizures or tremors, blood clotting, brain swelling, kidney failure, and ultimately, death.

4. Medications

Accidental ingestion of medications is the most frequent culprit for pet poisoning and can have life-threatening repercussions. Over-the-counter and prescription drugs were reported to be the most common pet toxins in 2024, and made up 16.5% of calls received by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control. Antidepressants, NSAIDs, and attention-deficit disorder medications make up a significant number of cases. Ingestion of NSAIDs like Advil or Motrin can cause stomach and intestinal ulcers, as well as kidney failure. While all medication can pose a danger, antidepressants comprised the most calls of accidental ingestion and can cause neurological issues, agitation, and seizures. Be sure to always keep medications out of reach and put away, and to securely close all bottles. It is also important to not share one pet’s prescriptions with another. Just like with people, prescription medications must be properly dosed by a professional for safety, and while a prescription may be safe for one pet, medications can interact differently with each animal. 

5. House Plants

Plants are a beautiful addition to any space, but not all plants are pet safe. Some common flowers like lilies, tulips, and daffodils are deadly to cats. Before bringing home any new plants or flowers, check to make sure it is pet-approved and non-toxic. For more information on plant safety and creating a pet-friendly yard, read our article detailing the best foliage for your furry friends. 

6. Human Foods

In order to create a pet-friendly home from the inside out, you will also need to be aware of the foods in your household that may be toxic to your pet. Never offer your pet alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, onions, grapes or raisins, or anything containing the sweetener xylitol, which can often be found in peanut butter. The good news is that there are many human foods that are beneficial to pets, such as blueberries, pumpkin, and carrots. You can read more about safe superfoods for pets here.