Toxic Household Hazards for Dogs

Are you aware of all of the toxic household hazards for dogs?

March 15th rings in the National Poison Prevention Week which was established by U.S. Congress on September 16, 1961.

Ever since, the event has reoccurred every year during the third week in March.

In honor of this event, I have attempted to compile a list of toxic household hazards for dogs.

It is by no means complete ~ so please feel free to add additional information in the comment section below this blog post!

Toxic Household Hazards for Dogs

Keep medications and human foods out of reach of your four-legged family members ~ the same applies to insecticides, rodenticides, and human dietary supplements.

Toxic Foods For Dogs

• Grapes
• Raisins
• Onions & Garlic

Update on the garlic:

Fed in moderation, minced garlic IS actually very healthy for our dogs. Please read more in my Myth Buster article mentioned below:

Myth Buster: Garlic IS good for dogs, after all!

• Avocados
• Mushrooms
• Nuts
• Citrus Fruits
• Chocolate
• Anything with sugar
• Bread & Cookie Dough
• Cooked Bones (can splinter)
• Spoiled Food (make sure your dog doesn’t have access to the trash)

Chocolate Toxicity Meter For Dogs

Check out the Chocolate Toxicity Meter here to find out how a certain amount of chocolate affects your dog!

Toxic Drinks For Dogs

• Alcohol
• Coffee, Tea (anything containing caffeine)
• Hot Chocolate

Toxic Plants For Dogs

• Ivy
• Lilies
• Azaleas
• Chrysanthemums
• Marijuana
• Poinsettia
• Tulips
• Rhododendron
• Aloe

More Toxic Household Hazards For Dogs

• Human Medicines
• Insecticides, Lawn treatments, & Chemicals in general
• Cleaning Supplies
• Automotive Fluids
• Holiday Decorations
• Small tempting objects (toys, craft supplies, etc)
• Electrical cords ~ should be well secured, especially around young dogs.
• Candles
• Tobacco

Pet Poison Helpline

Call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 in case you suspect poisoning in your pet(s) ~ they consist of a team of certified veterinarians & toxicology experts and are available 24/7, 365 days every year to pet owners throughout the U.S., Canada, & the Carribean.

Side note: The Pet Poison Helpline also assists in the treatment of avian, small mammals, large animal and exotic species.

Due to a lack of public funding, a $49 per incident fee applies, and covers the initial consultation as well as all follow-up calls (payable by credit card).

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

You can also reach out to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435.

Their toxicology hotline offers advice & treatment options 24/7, 365 days.

There is a charge of $65 per case which is charged to your credit card (you MUST have a credit card in order to be “seen”).

Human Foods Ok To Share With Dogs

• Bananas
• Cranberries & Blueberries (great antioxidants)
• Apples (without the core)
• Melons (Watermelon without seeds, Cantaloupe, honeydew)
• Pineapple
• Carrots
• Green Beans
• Bell Peppers
• Cottage cheese & yogurt in small quantities (some dogs don’t do well on dairy)
• Peanut Butter (high-protein treat)
• Pumpkin puree (helps with constipation & diarrhea)
• Sweet potatoes
• Cooked, unseasoned salmon (high in Omega-3 fatty acids, great for healthy skin & coat)
• Olive Oil (rich in Omega-3 fatty acids)
• Winter Squash (rich in Omega-3 fatty acids)
• Cooked Pasta
• Eggs
• Air-popped popcorn with no salt or butter
• Lean meat

Exceptions To The Rule

Also, keep in mind that there is always that one exception to the rule ~ not every dog tolerates any and all of the above mentioned human treats.

My pups, for example, don’t do well on chicken and rice, and also don’t do well on dairy products.

It’s a matter of trial and error ~ just try out tiny bits of whatever goody you’re trying to introduce, and see how your pup does on it.

If you’re unsure about a specific ingredient, you can always do a dog allergy test with your pup.

Update regarding the chicken: Since I started feeding my dogs raw dog food, they no longer have any problems with chicken!

My rule of thumb:  Provide plenty of breed specific exercise to ensure you have calm, balanced dogs.

Remember that prevention is key in keeping your pups out of trouble as well: Don’t leave anything hazardous within your dog’s reach.

Especially teething puppies should be provided with safe chewing options such as antlers, bully sticks and Kong toys, but many older dogs also enjoy chewing.

After all, chewing is a normal dog behavior. 

Please remember that I’d love to hear about any additional unsafe and/or safe foods for dogs in the comment section below this blog post!

Related Reading:

• This controversial dog allergy test gave me helpful results
• Is Cedarwood essential oil safe for dogs?
• 10 easy ways to puppy proof your home
• 7 toxic mushrooms for dogs
• Can dogs eat raw pumpkin?
• Garlic for dogs