Dogs love to eat things they’re not supposed to, and while this is harmless most of the time, our Okemos, MI, dog trainers want you to know that it can also potentially be deadly.
When you adopt a new dog, it’s important that you educate yourself on some of the that are lurking within your house.
Here’s what you need to know in order to keep your pet safe.
Cleaning Supplies
Above all else, please ensure all cleaning supplies stay out of reach of your pets. When you use these products, you can also keep your dog in another room so they are not exposed to the fumes. You might be able to get away with using some cleaning products around your pup without harming them, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Unless you need a heftier solution to clean some stubborn grime, our team recommends using gentler products for general purposes. make it a point not to include ammonia, bleach, chlorine, formaldehyde, as well as other ingredients. Always read the label and double-check it’s ok to use with pets present.
Of course, you can’t always avoid certain ingredients so we suggest you use caution. For example, if you have to clean your dog’s cage and the product has some bleach in it, properly dilute the solution first, rinse the cage thoroughly after use, and let it air out fully before letting them back inside.
Dangerous Foods
While some human foods can make a great treat for your dog, others can be dangerous. If you’re ever unsure of what’s ok to give, ask your veterinarian or look up reputable sites (backed by animal professionals) online for information.
Here are a few of the main foods to avoid feeding your dog:
- Chocolate
- Coffee, tea, or any type of caffeine
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Macadamia nuts
- Garlic and onions
- Raw dough containing yeast
- Avocados
- Salt
- Fruit seeds and pits
- Alcohol
- Foods high in fat
- Xylitol
Remember, it can only take a small amount of a certain food to make your dog seriously sick. If you want to reward them, it may be best to err on the side of caution and stick with dog specific foods. You can rest assured that anything given to your pet while they’re with us for dog boarding or dog training will be safe for their tummies.
Medications
If you drop a pill on the floor, be quick to pick it up and keep prescription bottles out of reach. Many common medications, including painkillers, can harm your dog if accidentally ingested. Dogs are smaller than humans, so it only takes a small dose of medication to cause a devastating effect. If your dog does eat one of your medications, call your vet right away.
Houseplants
Before you buy a new plant, it’s important to double check and make sure it’s safe for pets. Some plants can cause mild reactions, such as an upset stomach, when eaten by a dog.
However, , like tulips, autumn crocus, and philodendron can cause more serious reactions and even death when ingested. There are plenty of plants that are perfectly safe for pets, so you’ll need to make sure those are the only ones you let into your home.
Other Harmful Items
There is a wide variety of . Some are obvious, but others might surprise you.
Items to keep out of your dog’s reach include:
- Batteries
- Antifreeze
- Paint
- Pest killers
- String, including dental floss
- Many bones—check with your vet to see if your dog’s toys are safe
- Fertilizer
- De-icing salts
- Some types of mulch
- Some essential oils
- Electrical cords
- Tinsel
- Balloons
- Glue
- Any small objects or choking hazards
Much like having a new baby, you will need to puppy-proof your home before you adopt a dog. Note that this is not an exhaustive list of things that may endanger your pup. If your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t have, please call your vet immediately.
Learn More → How to Prepare for a New Puppy
Need Dog Training?
When you tell your dog to drop something, you want them to listen. Our dog and puppy trainers in Okemos, MI, are experts in helping you form a better connection with your pet. To enroll in one of our dog training courses, call Dog Gone Fun today at (517) 657-4300 or contact us online.
This blog post has been updated.