Household Items That Are Very Toxic to Our Pets

sick dog

Some of the following might surprise you but we suppose they should not. After all, if we do not eat it we can almost guarantee our dogs should not be eating it too!

Ethylene glycol
This sweet-tasting odorless liquid is most commonly found in antifreeze products, but it can also lurk in less dangerous levels in hydraulic brake fluid, paints and solvents, wood stains, inks and printer cartridges.

Dogs and cats are attracted to its taste and only a small amount, especially in antifreeze, can be very dangerous. According to VCA Hospitals, as little as half a teaspoon per pound of a dog’s weight can be fatal.

Coins and Metal
Some pets, especially dogs, will pick up anything off the floor including coins and metal pieces, such as nuts, bolts and other pieces of hardware. While some pieces might be ingested and safely passed, some coins and hardware pieces contain large amounts of zinc, which can result in zinc poisoning. When the item enters the stomach, the zinc breaks down, upsetting your pet's stomach and allowing the zinc to be absorbed into the bloodstream. That can lead to liver damage, kidney failure and heart failure.

Xylitol
This sugar-free sweetener is found in some gum, mints, toothpaste, oral rinses, chewable vitamins, and even some foods, like peanut butter. It's key to check the ingredient label and keep products out of your pet's reach. The amount of xylitol can vary by product type and brand. How much your dog or cat ingests and your pet's size will determine how toxic the effect can be. According to the helpline, a large ingestion can result in liver failure, while even a small amount can cause life-threatening low blood sugar within 10 to 15 minutes.

Glow sticks and glow jewelry
The liquid inside glow sticks and jewelry can make your pets have very unpleasant symptoms. If your kids like those glow bracelets or glow sticks, especially around Halloween and other holidays, make sure they keep them away from your dog. They have an oily, bitter-tasting liquid called dibutyl phthalate (DBP) that can have unpleasant consequences if your dog gets a hold of it. The chemical isn't incredibly toxic, but it can make your pet drool, gag and vomit, and it can irritate his skin and eyes, making them burn.

Batteries
If your dog or cat swallows a battery, the alkaline or acidic material inside can leak, causing serious injury. Especially dangerous are button batteries, but other common batteries also can cause a lot of harm. Call your vet or the poison helpline immediately and don't induce vomiting. Flush your pet's mouth gently with tepid water to wash away corrosive liquid. Your vet will perform an X-ray and remove the battery via surgery or endoscopy.

Who would have thought glow sticks could be so hazardous to our doggies!? Just remind the kids to be sure to put those things up when they are done playing with them, Or, if the glow is gone, to be certain they are tossed out and not on the floor of the closet!

For more toxic items to keep your pet from go to Mother Nature Network. Gee, and we thought chocolate was the primary thing to worry about!



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