Protect your Pets from Household Hazards

I’ve gone into plenty of homes and it is a little disconcerting to see things that are out on tables and counters that are hazardous and even deadly to your pet. So, to help my friends take care of their petkids, I thought an article about household hazards is in order. Below is a list of common foods, products, and holiday items that should be kept away from your pets.

Acorns, alcohol, alertness tablets, American Holly, Antifreeze, avocados, caffeinated foods (like chocolate) and drinks, candles, Christmas cactus, Christmas tree perservative, Christmas tinsel or ribbons (cause obstructions), electrical cords, furniture/refinishing products, glass ornaments (can cause internal lacerations if swallowed), grapes and raisins, hair peroxides and nail polish remover, human cough/cold/flu medications, ice melts, liquid potpourris, macademia nuts, mistletoe, mushrooms, pantyhose (cause intestinal blockage) poinsettia, and yeast dough.

If any of the preceeding are ingested or you suspect poisoning, contact your local veterinarian, emergency animal clinic or 24-hour emergency hotline such as:

Animal Emergency Care Center, 5520 N. Nevada Ave, Suite 150, (719) 260-7141 or 3775 Airport Road (719) 578-9300

Banfield Emergency & Crtical Pet Care, 5956 Stetson Hills Blvd, (719) 473-0482

Monument Animal Urgent Care, 1024 W. Baptist Rd, (719) 487-9093

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, 1-888-426-4435 or

National Animal Poison Control Center, 1-800-548-2423

Have the following information on-hand when you call: poison you believe your pet ingested, time since exposure, breed, age, sex, weight, symptoms your pet is exhibiting.