- When cleaning your house, never allow your dog access to the area where cleaning agents are used or stored. Cleaning agents have a variety of properties; from those that could just irritate the gastrointestinal tract to those that have a corrosive action and can chemically burn the sensitive mucous membranes of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach.
- When using rat or mouse baits, ant or roach traps, or snail (big problem in California) and slug baits, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your dogs. Most baits contain sweet smelling inert ingredients, which can be very attractive to your dog.
- Never give your dog any medications unless under the directions of veterinarian. Many medications that are used safely in humans can be deadly when used inappropriately. One extra strength acetaminophen tablet (500 mg) can kill a 7-pound cat.
- Keep all prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of reach of your dogs. Painkillers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants, and diet pills are common examples of human medication that could be potentially lethal even in small dosages. Only one half of a 200 mg naproxen tablet could cause stomach ulcers in cats.
- Low quantities include pennies (high concentration of zinc), mothballs (contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene – one or two balls can be life threatening in most species), potpourri oils, fabric softener sheets, automatic dish detergents (contain cationic detergents which could cause corrosive lesions), batteries (contain acids or alkali which can also cause corrosive lesions), homemade play dough (contains high quantity of salt), winter heat source agents like hand or foot warmers (contain high levels of iron), cigarettes, coffee grounds, and alcoholic drinks.
- All automotive products such as oil, gasoline, and antifreeze should be stored in areas away from dog access. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze (ethylene glycol) can be deadly in a 7 lb cat; one tablespoon kills a 10 lb dog.
- When treating your lawn or garden with fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides, always keep your dogs and cats away from the area until the area dries completely. Discuss usage of products with the manufacturers of the products to be used. Always store such products in an area that will ensure no dog exposure.
Another thing that I never dreamed of harming a dog is the new mettal coffee can with the lip on inside edge. Our 2 1/2 year old pit got her head stuck in one and suffocated. I think if the lip hand not been on the can it would not have had the same result. Just trying to get this onfo out as many place as possble as this was a horrific thing to happen
Hi Debbie
Thats a great tip!
Thank you
Dr Carol