I’m A Vet—Here Are the Common Household Items That Could Kill Your Dog

A veterinarian has issued a stark warning to dog lovers about the little-known dangers lurking in every household that could pose a serious risk to their four-legged friends.

Many pet owners spare no expense when it comes to ensuring their pups live a charmed life. No bed too comfortable, no toy too squeaky, and no treat too delicious.

Yet most are completely unaware that there are serious threats to their dogs’ safety hidden in every home.

Sometimes even something seemingly harmless to humans can be absolutely deadly to dogs. Those pretty plants, that comfy recliner, even a bag of your favorite snack food can all pose risks to your pup.

Thankfully, help is at hand courtesy of Dr. Beth Turner, a Colorado-based veterinarian with Preventive Vet.

With over 20 years of experience both as a volunteer at shelters and the owner of her own clinic, she has seen it all.

Here, she reveals the most common household risks that every dog owner should be aware of—and how to keep your pet as safe as can be.

Watch out for ordinary household items that pose deadly risks

Plenty of common items found around the house can pose a risk to your pup.

Turner offers this list of “the most dangerous household items to dogs”:

• Human medications
• Toxic human foods: garlic, onions, chocolate, grapes, alcohol, bones, products with xylitol (a sugar substitute)
• Chemicals: insecticides, rodenticides, antifreeze, fertilizers, cleaning products, and batteries
• Plants

All of these items should be kept as far out of reach of your dog as possible, ideally on a high shelf or inside a secure cupboard or container.

A surprising item that can harm pets

Here’s one item that we wouldn’t have thought about until Turner mentioned it: plastic bags and containers.

“Snack, cereal, and other bags and containers can result in suffocation if a dog gets their head stuck in them,” she warns.

Be sure to cut up empty snack bags and keep containers and snack bags out of your pet’s reach, and if you’re concerned that your dog might be able to reach your cereal storage area, consider emptying the contents of each packet into an air-tight hard container.

Steps to take to keep dogs safe at home

Now that we know what to watch out for, how can we keep our dogs safe? Turner outlines some simple yet potentially life-saving steps:

• Properly close all cleaners and chemicals, and secure them in elevated cabinets that the dog isn’t able to access.
• Do not leave items such as food, medications, socks, batteries, remotes, children’s toys, small objects, etc., lying within a dog’s reach. Don’t assume items are safe if they are on a counter or table because dogs can often find a way to gain access.
• When taking medications, do so over a sink or open drawer so if a pill is dropped, the dog won’t have access.
• Properly lock all cabinets, doors (especially bathroom doors), and trash. Keep the door closed to guest rooms, as suitcases are often filled with dangerous items and dogs are curious.
• Use a camera so that you can monitor your dog throughout the day.
• If pet owners have a yard for their dog, they need to regularly check that area for hazards (e.g., mushrooms, openings in the fence, potential objects the dog may consume or become injured by, etc.) and monitor dogs anytime they are outdoors.

Risks to small-breed dogs

Turner says the size of the dog should also play a part in assessing household risks.

“Small-breed dogs can easily get stuck in small places or get trapped in recliners, which can result in serious injury,” she warns.

“Smaller breed dogs jumping off furniture are [also] more likely to get injured than larger dogs.”

Risks to large-breed dogs

Big dogs also can get into trouble, Turner says: “Larger breed dogs can reach stovetops and accidentally turn them on, causing a fire. They are also able to jump on counters and tables or open garbage or recycling bins and consume food or other harmful items.”

Breeds that are prone to risky behaviors

The kind of dog you have should also be top of mind when considering household dangers. Some breeds can be prone to riskier behaviors, Turner notes.

“Almost all dogs love to eat, but there are certain breeds that tend to have uncontrollable appetites,” she says. “Some breeds include beagles, boxers, golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, pugs, rottweilers, and Saint Bernards.”

Keep your puppy safe

Puppies are adorable, and Turner advises owners to never let them out of sight.

“It is important to remember puppies are curious, and they like to chew,” she adds. “So any breed of puppy is prone to household risks.”