7 Common Household Dangers for Dogs

As the saying goes, your health is your wealth, and for dog owners - we know your dog’s health is equally (if not more) important. So, to help keep your beloved pup safe, we’ve listed the most common household dangers to watch out for.

Investing in a canine first aid kit can be useful if you need to fix up minor injuries to your pet. There are a variety of common household items that can unfortunately propose a danger to our dogs, some may even surprise you!

With so many things that are poisonous to dogs being readily at hand, it’s important to stay informed on what you need to protect your dog from. Read on so you know what to look out for, particularly around household foods that are toxic to dogs.

1. Beware of Certain Foods

There are many household foods that are toxic to dogs, so we have to be careful with this one! Certain foods can be lethal in the wrong hands (or paws). We all find ourselves reaching for the treat cupboard, and we’re sure the same can be said for your dog!

It’s best to ensure goodies like chocolate and snacks high in sugar and salt are completely out of reach of your pup. Sweet treats like chocolate are toxic for dogs as they contain high levels of chemicals that are dangerous to dogs, such as caffeine, which can cause anything from mild sickness to seizures.

Similar chemicals are found in both tea and coffee, which makes them equally as harmful. We suggest that when it comes to your dog’s health, it’s best not to spill the tea.

Instead, always choose dog-friendly dog treats, so your furry friend can safely enjoy a snack.

Other common foods to be wary of around your dog include:

• Grapes and raisins – but both grapes and raisins have been known to cause severe liver damage and kidney failure in dogs.

• Onions – eating onions, garlic and chives can cause stomach and gut irritation, which can potentially lead to red blood cell damage and anaemia.

• Alcohol – alcohol is a lot more toxic to dogs than it is to us humans. Even small quantities can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, and it can even be life-threatening. For a dog-friendly option, check out Yappy’s delicious dog beer bundles!

Make sure to check out our post on foods that are toxic for dogs for more information.

2. Toys Aren’t All Fun and Games

Are you running a busy family home, filled with children, toys and games? Maybe you’re an avid collector of small items, such as coins and marbles?

When unsupervised, these items are a potential choking hazard for your dog. So it’s important to be mindful of this to avoid them swallowing anything without your knowledge. Make sure to pack these things away (out of paw’s reach) when they’re not in use.

If you’re looking for a fun squeaky toy or a comforting plush toy for your pup to snuggle up to, we’ve got you covered. Now these dog toys are all fun and games!

Sturdy and durable, this dumbbell toy will have your pup working up a sweat.

3. Watch Out for Hazardous Chemicals

Cleaning products are a common household item, especially if you need to clean up after any dog-related messes (try our eco-friendly poop bags). Yet, they can pose many hazards to both pets and humans alike. Ensuring you take the correct precautions when using these products is important.

When shopping for cleaning supplies, such as floor cleaners, try and opt for dog-friendly versions (these will be clearly labelled). This way, when your dog decides to tread their muddy paws onto your freshly mopped floor, you can rest assured knowing they’ll be safe from any unwanted chemicals.

Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your floor will stay clean for too long! Remember to store chemicals safely and securely, in an area that isn’t accessible by your dog.

4. Access to Medication

Medicine – whether it’s the pet or human kind - can propose a risk to your dog when it’s stored within their reach. Over the counter or prescription medication should be given to your dog by carefully following the package guidelines or the advice of a professional.

If your dog has access to medication, there’s a chance they could accidentally consume some or even worse, overdose on it. Medications like paracetamol, which is predominantly taken for pain relief, have been known to cause liver damage and impact oxygen flow to dogs.

When unsupervised, your dog is likely to munch on lots of things they shouldn’t. So remember to safely store medication out of reach and never leave any open packets of medicine lying around.

5. Waste and Refuse

Your rubbish may pose a threat to your dog, especially if your dog is left alone for a long time as they’re likely to get bored… and destructive!

Items like mouldy food and bones may be found within your household waste. It’s important that your dog doesn’t chow down on these things. Bones may damage their intestines, whilst out of date food can result in sickness and diarrhoea.

To avoid any hazards from occurring, we suggest disposing of your rubbish efficiently and storing any rubbish in an area that your dog doesn’t have access to.

6. Yeast Products – Raw Dough

Are you an avid baker? Is your pup your star taste tester? Why not combine your favourite things with a brand-new, personalised dog apron?!

On a more serious note, please always take caution when handling ingredients like raw dough around your dog, as this contains yeast. When consumed, it’s likely to cause your dog issues with bloating, which will be very uncomfortable for them.

As the dough will ferment and release gas within your dog’s stomach, this could build up in their intestines and could lead to further health issues. So, our advice is to never leave your dog unattended around yeast products.

Want to whip up a dog-friendly, tasty treat for your pup? This pancake recipe for dogs will have them drooling! Or if baking isn’t your thing, we have plenty of yummy dog-friendly treats to choose from.

7. Exposed Electrical Wires

Puppies are well known for chewing on everything and anything they can find, but wires can be particularly dangerous. Older dogs are less likely to have the desire to chew things, but nevertheless it’s still important that wires are stored safely within your home.

If not, exposed wires have been known to lead to burns or in the most extreme cases, electrocution. Alternatively, a chew toy is a much safer way to keep your pup entertained and distracted from chewing dangerous wires!

Being mindful of things that are poisonous to dogs

We hope you found this guide to common household dangers helpful. It is so challenging to be aware of what can harm your dog and when you’ve got a mini hoover for a dog, it can be hard to keep your furry friend aware from those household foods that can be toxic!

However, if you think your pet has been in contact with something harmful, then please contact the PDSA Animal Poison Helpful on 01202 509000. This 24-hour triage service will be able to offer you professional advice.

If you’re looking for more pet advice, check out our other blogs on why your dog might not be eating their food and some dog first aid tips.