Knowing that not all household items are safe for your canine friend to paw around with is essential as a dog owner. Watching your pup chasing after a lost sock or batting around an empty plastic bottle might seem cute, but some everyday items pose serious health risks to dogs.
These 15 common household items should be kept out of your dog’s reach to ensure the safety and well-being of your furry companion.
Shoes
Dogs have a natural urge to chew and bite things, and shoes are no exception. At the same time, it might seem like an innocent playtime activity for your dog, but chewing on shoes can cause significant damage to their teeth and gums. Additionally, if they swallow any small pieces of the material or sole, it could lead to intestinal blockage.
Electrical Cords
Electrical cords are tempting for dogs to chew on due to their similar texture and size to chew toys. However, this can lead to a severe risk of electrocution or burns in your dog’s mouth. Keep electrical cords out of reach, invest in cord covers, or train your dog not to chew on them to prevent accidents.
Houseplants
Some houseplants, like lilies, daffodils, and aloe vera, are toxic to dogs if ingested. If you have indoor plants, make sure they are placed out of reach by your dog, or choose pet-friendly plants instead. It’s always better to be safe than sorry about your dog’s health and well-being.
Trash Cans
Dogs are notorious for getting into the trash, harming their health. Make sure to keep all trash cans well closed and out of reach from your dog. Avoid throwing away potentially dangerous items in an open trash can, such as sharp objects or toxic substances.
Swimming Pools
If you have a swimming pool, always supervise your dog around it. Not all dogs are natural swimmers, and some may struggle to stay afloat or escape the collection safely. Invest in a pool cover or teach your dog how to exit the pool using designated steps or ramps to prevent accidents.
Socks
As silly as it may sound, socks can be a potential dog hazard. If your dog likes to chew on things, they may accidentally ingest a sock and suffer from intestinal blockage or choking. Keep your socks out of reach from your dog, and avoid leaving them around the house.
Toys With Small Parts
Toys with small parts pose a choking hazard for dogs. Be sure only to purchase dog-specific toys that are large enough not to be swallowed or choked on.
Batteries
Batteries, often found in remote controls or toys, have harmful chemicals that can cause burns or poisoning if chewed on or swallowed by dogs. Keep batteries out of your dog’s reach and dispose of them properly to avoid accidents.
Cleaning Products
Cleaning products can harm dogs if ingested or inhaled, no matter how ‘organic’ or ‘natural’ they claim to be. Keep all cleaning supplies securely stored and immediately wipe up any spills to prevent your dog from coming into contact with them.
Plastic Bags
Plastic bags can pose a suffocation risk to dogs, especially if they love to rummage through the trash or are curious about nature. Keep all plastic bags out of reach to avoid tragic accidents.
Hot Appliances
Hot appliances such as stovetops, ovens, or curling irons can cause severe burns to dogs if they come into contact with them. Please keep your dog away from these hot objects and always supervise them in the kitchen to prevent accidents.
Candles
Candles may create a cozy atmosphere but can be dangerous for dogs if left unattended. Keep candles out of reach, and consider using flameless candles or diffusers as a safer alternative.
Holiday Decorations
Holiday decorations can be a source of joy and excitement, but they can also pose various hazards to dogs. Tinsel, ornaments, and even Christmas tree lights can cause choking or foreign body obstructions if ingested by dogs. Keep all decorations out of reach and supervise your dog around them to ensure their safety.
Food Wrappings
Ingesting food wrappings such as plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or other similar materials can pose a significant danger to dogs. These items can cause intestinal blockages, leading to serious health issues that may require surgical intervention.
Jewelry
Jewelry pieces are often small enough to be swallowed, and sharp edges can cause internal injury. Keep all jewelry out of your dog’s reach.
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