Hazards

Warm Weather Hazards

  1. Animal toxins? toads, insects, spiders, snakes and scorpions
  2. Blue-green algae in ponds
  3. Citronella candles
  4. Cocoa mulch
  5. Compost piles Fertilizers
  6. Flea products
  7. Outdoor plants and plant bulbs
  8. Swimming-pool treatment supplies
  9. Fly baits containing methomyl
  10. Slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde

Medication 
Common examples of human medications that can be potentially lethal to pets, even in small doses, include:

  1. Pain killers
  2. Cold medicines
  3. Anti-cancer drugs
  4. Antidepressants
  5. Vitamins
  6. Diet Pills

Cold Weather Hazards

  1. Antifreeze
  2. Liquid potpourri
  3. Ice melting products
  4. Rat and mouse bait

Common Household Hazards

  1. Fabric softener sheets
  2. Mothballs
  3. Post-1982 pennies (due to high concentration of zinc)

Holiday Hazards

  1. Christmas tree water (may contain fertilizers and bacteria, which, if ingested, can upset the stomach.
  2. Electrical cords
  3. Ribbons or tinsel (can become lodged in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction? most often occurs with kittens)
  4. Batteries
  5. Glass ornaments

Non-toxic Substances for Dogs and Cats 
The following substances are considered to be non-toxic, although they may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals:

  1. Water-based paints
  2. Toilet bowl water
  3. Silica gel
  4. Poinsettia
  5. Cat litter
  6. Glue traps
  7. Glow jewelry

Written by:

Laurinda Morris, DVM
Danville Veterinary Clinic
Danville, Ohio