If one thing unites all our customers here at TRM Pet, it’s that they want to do the very best by their pet. That might be making sure they get an optimised diet for longevity and an active life. It might be enriching their day-to-day life with exercise, puzzles and activities to keep them engaged. It might be supplements to support healthy skin, a shiny coat, comfortable joints and good digestion. But what about making sure they can’t get their paws on anything that makes them ill? 

There are lots of common household items and foods that are very bad for our dogs and/or cats if they ingest them. To mark Pet Poison Prevention Month, here are some of the common household hazards to avoid and keep your pet safe. We’ll split them into cats and dogs to start with, and there’s a section for those of you with bunnies, hamsters and guinea pigs too! 

Common household hazards for dogs

Dogs are naturally curious creatures and, in many cases, they’re not especially selective about what they eat. That can quickly lead to trouble if something harmful is left within their reach by mistake. Here are some of the most common hazards to be aware of:

1. Chocolate

This might be a well-known one, but we think it’s worth repeating just in case there’s anyone out there who doesn’t know it. Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs struggle to process. The darker the chocolate, the higher the risk, so baking chocolate and cocoa powder are particularly dangerous for your pup.

2. Grapes and raisins

These can be surprisingly harmful to our beloved dogs, even in small amounts. Some dogs will have a severe reaction that affects their kidneys, while others may seem unaffected, which makes this kind of poisoning especially unpredictable. The safest approach is to avoid your dog being able to get to them entirely.

3. Xylitol (artificial sweetener)

Often found in sugar-free products like chewing gum, sweets and even some diet peanut butters. It can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and, in more serious cases, liver failure. It’s always worth checking labels, especially if you’re sharing a small treat.

4. Cooked bones

It can be tempting to offer our dinner leftovers to our pets, but it’s important to note that cooked bones can splinter easily. That can lead to them choking, suffering internal injuries or getting a gastric blockage, none of which you want to be dealing with after what feels like a harmless treat.

5. Household cleaning products

Freshly cleaned floors, surfaces or spills can all pose a risk if your dog walks through and then licks their paws or licks them directly off buckets and sponges. Products like bleach and disinfectant are particularly harsh and should always be kept well out of reach.

6. Medications

Human medicines such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are not safe for dogs, even in small doses. It’s an easy mistake to make when trying to help a pet in discomfort but always check with your vet first.

7. Garden hazards (slug pellets and pesticides)

If your dog enjoys exploring the garden and ‘helping’ you in the shed when you’re planting, transplanting seedlings and weeding, this is one to keep in mind. Slug pellets and other treatments for the garden can be highly toxic and are often more accessible than you might think.

Common household hazards for cats

Cats tend to be more selective than dogs, but their grooming habits and sensitivity to certain substances can put them at risk in different ways. Here are seven things to look out for to keep your cat safe from household hazards:

1. Lilies

This is one that catches lots of cat owners out. Lilies are extremely toxic to cats and it’s not just eating them that’s the issue. Even brushing past the pollen and then grooming it off their coat can cause serious kidney damage, so make sure you get rid of peace lilies and don’t have flower arrangements with lilies in them in your house. 

2. Paracetamol

Cats are particularly sensitive to paracetamol, and of course that’s a very popular painkiller here in Britain and Ireland. Even a very small amount of paracetamol can be fatal to your pet cat, so it should never be given under any circumstances.

3. Essential oils and diffusers

These are increasingly common in homes, but oils like tea tree, eucalyptus and citrus can be harmful to cats. They can absorb them through their skin or ingest them when grooming, so avoid having these oils in your home if you have a pet cat.

4. Household cleaners and disinfectants

Cats spend a lot of time grooming, so anything left on their paws or coat can quickly be ingested. Even small residues from cleaning products can cause irritation or illness, so consider using cleaning products that are made from non-toxic chemicals - or make your own from scratch.

5. Chocolate and caffeine

These are both substances that most cats won’t actively seek out and consume, but it’s still toxic if they do come across it. If you tend to leave coffee in mugs or chocolate lying around, make sure that you clear up before your cat has a chance to explore it. 

6. Onions, garlic and chives

These substances can damage red blood cells over time in cats and dogs, leading to anaemia. They often appear in cooked foods, and cats are more sensitive to them so it’s worth being mindful of scraps or leftovers for your feline friends.

7. Antifreeze (ethylene glycol)

This is a serious one, and of course it’s particularly problematic in colder months. It has a slightly sweet taste, which can attract animals, but even a tiny amount can be fatal.

Keeping your small n’ furries safe too

For rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and other small pets, their size makes them particularly vulnerable. What might be a minor exposure for a larger animal can be far more serious for them. Here are some key things to watch out for:

1. Unsafe foods

It’s easy to think a small treat won’t hurt, but sugary or processed foods can quickly upset delicate digestive systems. These pets do best on a consistent, species-appropriate diet.

2. Certain vegetables and plants

Not everything natural is safe. Foods like onions and garlic, along with some common houseplants, can be harmful if eaten.

3. Cleaning products and aerosols

Strong chemicals and sprays can irritate sensitive respiratory systems, even if your pet isn’t in direct contact with them.

4. Treated wood or unsuitable bedding

Materials that aren’t designed specifically for small animals can contain chemicals or dust that cause irritation.

5. Chewable hazards

Small pets love to chew, chew and chew some more, so anything within reach - think wires, plastic, painted surfaces - can quickly become a risk if ingested.

Keeping your home pet-safe

A lot of these risks are easy to manage with a few simple habits: keeping food out of reach, storing cleaning products securely and being mindful of what’s left on your home’s floors and surfaces. It’s also worth taking a moment to look at your house and garden from your pet’s perspective. What’s within reach? What smells interesting? What might be licked, chewed or swallowed?

And finally, but very importantly:  if you suspect your pet has eaten or drunk something that could harm them, it’s vital to take them straight to your vet. Acting quickly can make all the difference and help them survive