One of the best things prospective pet owners can do before welcoming new pets into their families is to conduct a poison audit throughout their homes. Pets are often vulnerable to common household items that may not pose a threat to adults. That’s especially true for curious pets anxious to explore their new surroundings. The Pet Poison Helpline, a licensed animal poison control center dedicated to preventing poison-related injuries, illnesses and fatalities to pets, offers this room-by-room breakdown to help existing and potential pet owners find items around the house that could pose a threat to their furry friends.

Attics and basements

• Mothballs

• Rodenticides

• Insecticides

• Paint

Laundry rooms

• Fabric softener

• Bleach

• Detergents, including detergent pods

• Dryer sheets

Bathrooms

• Medications, including prescription drugs and over the-counter drugs

• Drain & toilet cleaners

• Lime and rust removers

Living room

• Liquid potpourri

• Devices, including smartphones

• Batteries, such as those inside remote controls

Garages and garden sheds

• Automotive fluids

• Ice melt products

• Lawn and garden products, including weed

• killer, grub and snail bait and rodenticides

• Glue

• Bone, blood and feather meal

• Plants

• Compost

Kitchen

• Chocolate

• Macadamia nuts

• Grapes, raisins and currants

• Onions, garlic and chives

• Caffeinated products, such as coffee and tea

• Fatty scraps and bones

• Unbaked yeast bread dough

• Alcohol

• Table salt

• Kitchen cleaning products

Various products around the house can pose a threat to the health of pets. Make products as inaccessible to curious pets as possible by keeping them locked away when not in use. If you think your pet is a victim of poison, call the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 immediately. Follow up with your veterinarian to ensure your furry friend receives the proper aftercare. To schedule an appointment with us, call 423-587-4393 today!