Getting a dog whether it be a puppy or a rescue, is a great experience; however, just like with children you need to make sure home is a safe environment is essential. Many everyday items—things we barely think twice about—can be dangerous or even deadly to dogs if ingested.
Accidental poisoning is one of the most common emergencies seen by vets, but the good news is that most cases are entirely preventable. You can significantly reduce the risks by making a few changes around your home and garden. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need about dog-proofing your home to prevent accidental poisoning.
Why Dogs Get Into Things They Shouldn’t
One thing to remember is that dogs don’t have hands aND THEY experience the world through their noses and mouths. BECAUSE DOGS HAVE OVER 300 million receptors in their nose and are over 10 times better at smelling than humans. Even a small scent can be irresistible, many dogs love to chew, taste, or swallow things to explore them. Puppies, in particular, are prone to eating things they shouldn’t, but even well-trained adult dogs can be tempted by the wrong food, a dropped pill, or a sweet-smelling household product.
Some substances, like chocolate or grapes, are well-known hazards, but others—such as artificial sweeteners and certain plants—are less obvious. Understanding what’s dangerous and taking proactive steps to keep harmful items out of reach is the best way to protect your dog.
Kitchen Dangers: Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, but it’s also a hotspot for potential poisoning risks. Many human foods that are perfectly safe for us can be highly toxic to dogs.
Common Toxic Foods
- Chocolate – Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, seizures, and even heart failure. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous.
- Grapes and Raisins – Even a small amount can cause kidney failure.
- Onions, Garlic, and Chives can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anaemia.
- Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener) – Found in sugar-free gum, some peanut butter, and many diet products, xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver failure.
- Avocados – Contain persin, which can be harmful to dogs.
- Alcohol and Caffeine – Both can be highly toxic and cause severe health issues.
- Cooked Bones – These can splinter and cause choking or digestive tract injuries.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Kitchen
- Store food securely in cupboards or the fridge—never leave toxic foods within reach.
- Keep rubbish bins dog-proof by using a bin with a secure lid.
- Don’t leave leftovers or food scraps on counters where a dog could grab them.
- Be mindful of where you store shopping bags—dogs can easily rip into them if something smells tempting.
Living Room and Bedroom Hazards
We often consider the living room and bedrooms safe, but dangers remain.
Potential Hazards
- Medications – Even small amounts of human medicine (like ibuprofen, paracetamol, or antidepressants) can be fatal to dogs. jeep them in secure containers in a closed company
- Essential Oils and Diffusers – Some essential oils (like tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint) are toxic to dogs, especially in concentrated form.
- Batteries – If chewed, batteries can cause chemical burns or blockages.
- Small Objects – Coins, buttons, jewellery, and children’s toys can pose a choking risk.
- Scented Candles and Air Fresheners – Some contain harmful chemicals that can be irritating or toxic to dogs.
How to Make These Areas Safer
- Store all medications high up on shelves but ideally losed cupboards—never leave pills on a bedside table.
- Keep essential oils and diffusers out of reach, or use pet-safe alternatives. ideally,, pet-friendly ones as the normal shop ones can cause respiratory problems. This article, Crownvets is worth reading: Diffusers and dogs
- Be mindful of small objects that could be swallowed.
- Choose pet-safe candles and air fresheners without harmful chemicals.
Bathroom and Laundry Room Dangers
Bathrooms and laundry rooms often contain strong cleaning products, toiletries, and other substances that can harm dogs. Simply try and keep the door closed at all times.
Common Toxic Items
- Cleaning Products – Many household cleaners contain bleach, ammonia, or phenols, which can cause severe poisoning.
- Toiletries—If ingested, Shampoos, toothpaste (especially those containing xylitol), and mouthwash can be dangerous.
- Laundry Pods and Detergents are highly concentrated and can cause severe irritation or poisoning.
- Toilet Bowl Cleaners – If a dog drinks from a treated toilet, they can ingest harmful chemicals.
How to Keep Bathrooms and Laundry Rooms Safe
- Keep all cleaning products and toiletries in secure cupboards.
- Close the toilet lid to prevent drinking from the bowl.
- Store laundry pods and detergents in sealed containers.
- Rinse the floor well after cleaning to remove any residue.
Garden and Outdoor Hazards
Many people don’t realise that their gardens can be just as dangerous as their homes when it comes to toxic substances.
Toxic Garden Plants
- Foxgloves, Lilies, Daffodils, and Bluebells – These plants contain toxins that can cause severe illness if eaten.
- Yew, Rhododendrons, and Azaleas – These common shrubs are poisonous to dogs.
- Tomato and Potato Plants – The leaves and stems contain solanine, which can be toxic to dogs.
Other Outdoor Dangers
- Slug Pellets and Pesticides – Many contain toxic chemicals that can be fatal to dogs.
- Compost and Mouldy Food – Compost heaps can contain mycotoxins, which can be deadly.
- Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol) – Found in garages and driveways, even a tiny amount can cause fatal kidney failure.
How to Keep the Garden Safe
- Research plants before adding them to your garden.
- Avoid using chemical pesticides or slug pellets—opt for pet-safe alternatives.
- Keep compost heaps covered to prevent dogs from scavenging.
- Clean up any spilt antifreeze immediately.
What to Do If Your Dog is Poisoned
Even with the best precautions, accidents can still happen. Knowing the signs of poisoning and acting quickly could save your dog’s life.
Symptoms of Poisoning in Dogs
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy or weakness
- Tremors or seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Pale or yellow gums
What to Do If You Suspect Poisoning
- Stay Calm – Panicking won’t help your dog and may delay treatment.
- Remove Access – If your dog is still near the toxin, immediately remove them.
- Check for Packaging – Identify the substance your dog has ingested if possible, and if possible, take it to the vet.
- Call Your Vet Immediately – Time is critical—seek professional help immediately.
- Do Not Induce Vomiting – Some substances, like caustic chemicals, can cause more damage if vomited back up. Always follow vet advice.
Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Dog Safe at Home
Dog-proofing your home doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. By making small changes—like securing food, storing chemicals safely, and being aware of toxic plants—you can create a safe environment for your dog to thrive in.
It is al, so important to make sure the rest of the family is aware of these dangers, expeoically kids and ber leave young kids unsupervised with the dog
It’s always better to prevent an accident than to deal with an emergency.