Danger in and About the Home
Acetaminophen – This common drug found in Tylenol and other commercial medications can cause liver damage in dogs and death in cats. Animals can knock over a carelessly placed bottle and gobble up several of the coated tablets.
Batteries – As you might expect from a non-food product containing acid, battery consumption can lead to esophagus and stomach ulcers.
Chocolate – It’s a favorite of humans and pets, but your cat or dog who ingests chocolate will be subject to seizures and death.
Fertilizers – If you’re treating your lawn, make sure it dries if you’re applying fertilizer before letting your pet out and make sure that the product won’t be rinsed into the lawn. Fertilizer has a smell that attracts pets, but the nitrogen, potassium, herbicides and other items in it will kill your pet.
Grapes – Surprisingly, and for reasons scientists don’t yet understand, the common grape or grape juice can cause kidney failure in dogs.
Insecticides – Follow directions on flea and tick medication carefully. Products meant for dogs are not interchangeable with those meant for cats, and by all means, do not use pesticides meant for the garden on your pet.
Toads – Most are harmless to pets. But there are certain species, like the Colorado River Toad and the Bufo Toad, that secrete a poisonous venom that can lead to serious complications for your pet.