101 Hazards Commonly Found Around Our Homes  

It takes but an instant for a dog or cat to get into something that is hazardous for their health and become either seriously ill or die from the few seconds you were not watching them directly.  Use this checklist to see what is around your home and can cause potential harm to your pet.

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.)
2. Acetaminophen
3. Cold & flu medications
4. Antidepressants
5. Vitamins
6. Home insect products
7. Rat & mouse bait
8. Bleach
9. Diet pills
10. Disinfectants
11. Fabric softener
12. Lead
13. Lighter fluid
14. Mothballs
15. Anti-cancer drugs
16. Solvents (paint thinners, etc.)
17. Flea & tick products
18. Drain cleaners
19. Liquid potpourri
20. Slug & snail bait
21. Oven cleaner sprays
22. Lime/scale remover
23. Fly bait
24. Detergents
25. Tobacco products
26. Common plants: Aloe, Amaryllis, Andromeda Japonica, Asian Lily, Asparagus Fern, Australian Nut, Autumn Crocus, Azalea, Belladona, Bird of Paradise, Bittersweet, Black Locust, Branching Ivy, Buckeye, Buddhist Pine, Caladium, Calla Lily, Castor Bean, Ceriman, Clematis, Coradatum, Corn Plant, Cycads, Cyclamen, Daffodil, Daylily, Devil's Ivy, Dieffenbachia, Dumbcane, Easter Lily, Elephant Ears, Emerald Fern, English Ivy, Eucalyptus, Ferns, Fiddle-leaf Philodrendron, Gold Dust Dracaena, Florida Beauty, Foxglove, Glacier Ivy, Gladiolas, Golden Pothos, Heavenly Bamboo, Honeysuckle, Hurricane Plant, Hyacinth, Hydrangea, Iris, Jerusalem Cherry, Jimson Weed, Kalanchoe, Lantana, Lillies (all Lillium species), Lily of the Valley, Lupine, Marble Queen, Morning Glory, Mother-in-Law, Mountain Laurel, Narcissus, Needlepoint Ivy, Nephthysis, Nightshade, Oleander, Panda, Peace Lily, Philodendron, Poison Hemlock, Precatory Bean (Rosary Pea), Privet, Red Emerald, Rhodendron, Ribbon Plant, Sago Palm, Satin Pothos, Schefflera, Striped Dracaena, Sweetheart Ivy, Tulip, Water Hemlock, Wisteria, Yew and Yucca.
    
    HARMFUL FOODS
     
27. Avocados
28. Chocolate (all forms)
29. Coffee (all forms)
30. Onions & onion powder
31. Garlic
32. Grapes
33. Raisins
34. Macadamia nuts
35. Alcoholic beverages
36. Moldy/spoiled foods
37. Salt
38. Fatty foods
39. Gum, candies or other foods sweetened with xylitol
40. Tea leaves
41. Raw yeast dough
    
    OBJECTS
     
42. Balls (specifically balls that are small or have a smooth outer coating)
43. Batteries
44. Bread twist ties
45. Buttons
46. Coins
47. Cotton swabs
48. Glass
49. Hair pins
50. Jewelry
51. Nylons
52. Paper clips
53. Plastic wrap
54. Socks
55. Rubber bands
56. Sharp objects (knives, razors, scissors, nails, needles, etc.)
57. String, yarn or dental floss
58. Towels
59. Wax
    
    TROUBLE AREAS
     
60. Balconies - Tall balconies without safety railings and/or mess, or railings spaced too far apart
61. Bath tubs or sinks - Small pets can drown in full bathtubs or sinks
62. Doors & windows - Dogs can easily run away if they find an open door or window.  They can also get seriously injured if they run across a busy road.  Windows without screens should never be left open, and the screens should be viable enough to withstand a dog's scratching and determination to get out the window.
63. Electrical cords - Dogs (and especially puppies) can be electrocuted if they bite into or chew on an electrical cord that is plugged in (even if the item is not turned on).
64. Fireplace - Dogs can get burned by the flames or sick if they eat the ashes.
65. Toilets - Toilet water is not healthy for pets to drink; always remember to close the lid.
66. Washer & dryer - Your pets can crawl into a washer or dryer without your knowledge; always keep these doors closed.
    
    OUTSIDE
     
67. Algae - Certain forms can be toxic and many can be found in ponds or other bodies of water.
68. Antifreeze/Coolant - Ethylene glycol is highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts!
69. Fire pit/Grill - Flames can result in serious burns and ashes can cause illness if ingested.
70. Fences & gates - Besides simply running away if not secure, your pets can get hurt or strangled trying to make their escape.
71. Deck lattice - Pets can get stuck in the openings under your deck and possibly be strangled.
72. De-icing salts - Some formulas contain chemicals that are hazardous to pets if ingested in large amounts; others can cause chemical burns on their pads.
73. Compost - particularly if moldy
74. Gasoline
75. Oil
76. Pesticides
77. Cocoa bean shell mulch fertilizer
78. Swimming pools & hot tubs - Never leave your pet unattended near uncovered pools, even if they can swim
    
    HOLIDAY HAZARDS
     
79. Alcohol
80. Flowers & candy - Many types of flowers and plants found in bouquets are harmful to dogs if they are ingested.  Chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures, and in severe cases, chocolate poisoning can be fatal!
81. Fake grass at Easter - This colorful 'grass' can look appetizing to your pets, but could cause choking or intestinal obstructions.
82. Small toys & plastic items - If swallowed or chewed upon can cause your pet to choke or even damage their intestinal tracts.
83. Fireworks - Toxic if ingested, explosions and sounds can cause your pets to run off or become so anxious, they hurt themselves even if inside the home as they scramble to find a safe and secure place to hide out in.
84. Repeatedly opening doors and a constant stream of visitors increase the chances of your pet escaping through an open door.
85. Candles - Pets may be attracted to the bright lights of a candle flame in dark areas - they could either burn themselves or knock over the candle, starting a fire.
86. Xylitol - Candy or gum sweetened with xylitol is toxic and should be kept away from your pet.
87. All forms of chocolate (and the derivatives thereof) can cause poisoning or pancreatic inflammation from the high fat content.
88. Bones - Turkey, chicken and other small animal bones splinter easily and cause serious internal damage if swallowed.
89. Hot containers - Curious with good smells, it is easy for a pet to tip one over and get burned.
90. Holiday plants at Christmas - Christmas rose, holly, lilies and mistletoe are all toxic to dogs.
91. Ribbons - Adorable, but placing a ribbon around your pet's neck may cause them to choke.
92. Bubbling lights - Older forms of this attractive decoration may contain methylene chloride, which is a highly toxic chemical.
93. Fire salts - Contains chemicals that can be harmful to pets
94. Angel hair (spun glass) - Can be irritating to eyes and skin; can cause intestinal obstruction if eaten in large amounts.
95. Christmas Tree water - Stagnant water or water containing preservatives could cause stomach upset and diarrhea if ingested.
96. Decoration hooks - Can cause blockage and/or trauma to gastrointestinal tract if swallowed
97. Styrofoam - Can cause choking
98. Ornaments - Enticing to look at, they can cause serious injury to your pets if broken or swallowed.
99. Tinsel - Can cause choking or internal trauma if swallowed
100. Balloons & confetti - Can cause choking or intestinal blockages
101. Noisemakers - Loud sounds, music and noisemakers can cause your pets to run off or startle them, creating anxiety and the need to find safety regardless of the physical dangers it may cause.

Source: ASPCA