by Lalinda De La Fuente

Not until you come home and see coffee grounds stuck to your dog’s mouth or smell cleaning fluid on their fur do you realize that the things that are sitting around your home could be harmful to your pets.   Pets are by nature curious creatures, sticking their nose into all sorts of places.  Here is ONLYforPETLOVERS list of some unsuspecting potentially harmful things in your home for your four-legged friend.

The Garage is not a Playroom
Let’s face it.  The garage can be a dangerous place for anyone.  Nails or screws on the ground, paints in the corner, and other hazardous materials often call the garage home.  The American Veterinary Medical Association suggests locking such products as paints, solvents, herbicides and insecticides and other hazardous fluids away, well out of reach from your pets.  Paint thinners and other solvents can cause irritation or chemical burns if swallowed, according to the AVMA.   Irritation and chemical burns can also occur if these types of fluids come in contact with your pet’s skin.

Other common garage products that should be carefully put away are: antifreeze, fertilizers, gasoline and cleaning products.  If you suspect that your pet has ingested something potentially hazardous, contact ASPCA Poison Control or your vet as soon as possible.  Also, consider not allowing your pet in the garage for long periods of time or unattended.

From the Garage to your Garbage
Dogs love tearing into the garbage, especially when their owner is away.  Let’s take stock of the average kitchen garbage can: rotting food, coffee grounds, sharp edges on can or bottles, old gum.  Humans generally know better than to rifle through their garbage or eat anything that look questionable, but dogs especially may not know better.
Any food or drink item containing caffeine or similar chemicals can be extremely dangerous to your pets.  This includes coffee, tea and chocolate.   Garbage such as coffee grounds should be disposed of with care.  Rotting food, a harmful meal for any creature, can seem especially alluring to a dog.  These things can often contain harmful bacteria or mold that can cause food poisoning.

Chewing gum is also a hazard to your pets.  Xylitol, a sweetener found in sugar-free gum, can sometimes prove life-threatening to pets if ingested.  The Animal Poison Control Center of the ASPCA has noticed a rise in xylitol poisoning over the past few years.  In 2005, the center managed 170 cases of xylitol poisoning alone.  In 2006, the center had already dealt with 114 cases by August.

Dr. Eric Dunayer, who specializes in toxicology at the center, said that products high in xylitol are not the only things to worry about.  Products with even small amounts of the sweetener can potentially be dangerous, allowing the onset of symptoms to be delayed as much as 12 hours after ingestion.

This artificial sweetener can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar in your pets, which can result in loss or coordination, depression, and seizures.  According to Dunayer, there even appears to be a strong link between xylitol ingestion and liver failure in dogs.

Make sure your trash is either out of Fido’s reach or tightly closed.  If you commonly leave your pet at home during the day consider taking your trash out before heading out to work to eliminate any worry.

Sweat the Small Stuff
Everyday items that are lying around your home may not jump out at you as potential hazards to your pets.  It’s the less obvious things though that can often cause problems.  Watch for small items or bits of food that may have fallen on the floor.  Make sure to pick these things up so that Fluffy or Fido does not feel tempted to eat them.

Even coins that have fallen on the ground can pose a threat to your pet.  According to the ASPCA, pennies minted after 1982 contain zinc, which can cause, according to the AVMA, the metal to interact with components of the animal's red blood cells and can cause, weakness, trembling and loss of appetite.  Also according to the AVMA, “although not seen frequently, it is interesting to note how such a mundane object can be toxic when ingested.”

Other things to be careful of that are often found on the floor:  bottle caps, string, buttons, jewelry, and small children’s toys.

If you suspect that your pet has ingested something potentially dangerous, call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.  A consultation fee may apply.  For more information about how to pet proof your home please read "Children with Fur" need protection at home.