10 Surprising Things That Could Make Your Pet Sick

By Steve Graham, Networx

Most responsible homeowners make an effort to keep harsh chemicals, rat poison and other dangerous substances away from pets. However, the same people may not realize how many other pet toxins lurk in the home. Here are 10 other items that could make your pet sick.

1. Ibuprofen: You may have the best intentions in giving human pain medications to pets, but no drugs should be given to pets without first consulting your veterinarian. Ibuprofen in particular can cause significant intestinal and kidney damage, but many other over-the-counter and prescription medications for humans can harm animals. Also keep in mind that child-proof medicine bottles are not necessarily animal-proof, and pets could ingest a whole bottle of drugs.

2. Pet medications: It’s also important to keep animal medications out of reach of pets. They are often enticingly flavored, so if pets find their way into the bottle, they are likely to gobble far more than a safe dosage.

3. Grapes and raisins: It’s also important to be careful with snacks for animals. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Some tests show as few as seven grapes can be toxic. Onions and garlic are also dangerous for both cats and dogs, though typically in larger amounts.

4. Sugar-free gum and mints: Sugarless candy and other items often contain xylitol, a sweetener that can cause low blood sugar and liver failure.

5. Chocolate: It’s not a myth propagated by chocoholics trying to hoard their sweets. Chocolate can be deadly for dogs and other pets. A mild stimulant in chocolate can be far from mild for pets. It can cause seizures, vomiting, diarrhea and heart problems. Dark chocolate is particularly dangerous. Also, coffee and other caffeinated drinks contain similar substances.

Image: sue_r_b/stock.xchng

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Read more: Cats, Dogs, Health & Safety, Home, Household Hints, Pet Health, Pets, Safety

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Carole R.

4:10PM PDT on Oct 19, 2011

Thank you for this valueable information.

send a green star

Eternal G.

8:30PM PDT on Aug 22, 2011

Bookmarked!

May H.

3:59PM PDT on Aug 20, 2011

good to know,ty

Monique D.

1:11PM PDT on Aug 19, 2011

Thank you for sharing

Debbie L.

5:23PM PDT on Aug 12, 2011

Thanks for this article!

Mary L.

1:09AM PDT on Aug 1, 2011

Thank you. I'd never have suspected some of these.

I can tell you that olive oil is not good for cleaning kitty ears. It almost blistered my kitty's filthy ears. She was scratching them horribly before we tried to do anything.

I know EVOO is neutral so I thought, no problem. I just made it worse.

I finally trained her to accept my very gentle touch and short, short nails. She loves it because she gets a treat when I'm finished. It certainly seems to keep her from trying to claw her ears apart. I make sure my hands are scrubbed clean.

Lika S.

12:20AM PDT on Aug 1, 2011

People really don't know these things? I thought it was common sense not to let your pet eat these things. At least most cats are smart enough NOT to get into these things.

Mary Beth M.

12:02PM PDT on Jul 31, 2011

Good points. When in doubt, call the vet before giving anything to your pet! I learned from my vet's assistant, who routinely sprayed Lysol around her cats' litter boxes that it caused kidney failure in her cats! They all died. Tragic way to learn a hard lesson. Cats seem to be more sensitive to toxins.

Judith C.

6:49PM PDT on Jul 29, 2011

Knew about lillies,Cala lillies are deadly for cats.

KrassiAWAY B.

2:11AM PDT on Jul 28, 2011

Good to know.