Household Items Harmful to Service Dogs

Service Dogs in Florida are amazing. Highly trained, loyal and dedicated, they are a blessing to those they work with. Contrary to popular belief, however, service dogs are not invincible. There are many common household items that are harmful to service dogs. They can easily be injured by items that you might not be aware of.

Here are the top 6 household items that can be harmful to your service dog in Florida:

1. Medications. If your service dog has been appropriately trained, he/she will never pick up an item that is dropped on the floor. This applies to food and especially to medications. Human pharmaceuticals, both prescribed and over the counter, can cause irreversible damage to your dog, even death. Veterinary pharmaceuticals can result in poisoning as well. Many of these drugs have flavors and textures similar to treats. Be sure to keep all medications out of your service dog’s reach. The results could be fatal.
2. People Food. Most folks are unaware that grapes, raisins, avocados, and raw onions are as dangerous as chocolate is to a dogs metabolism. Coffee, fruit seeds and pits, garlic and nutmeg can be added to the list. The best way to avoid your service dog accidentally ingesting something harmful is to reinforce the “nothing from the table, nothing from the floor” training on a daily basis.
3. Xylitol. Found in sugar-free chewing gum, Xylitol can cause your dog’s blood sugar to plummet which can result in kidney failure. Once again, it is important to pay attention to what is on the ground and floor when you are out with your service dog to keep him or her away from the alluring aroma of chewed gum.
4. Cleaning Products. Chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, formaldehyde, glycol ethers, mothballs, etc. usually come with warnings to use in a well-ventilated area. This is especially important to remember for your service dog as they will succumb to fumes and lingering odors much faster than you will. These chemicals are also extremely toxic to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
5. Household Plants. The list is pretty long. Indoor and outdoor plants can poison your companion. The ASPCA has prepared a comprehensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants for your service dog. Click here to read more.
6. Chew Toys. Always select chew toys that will hold up to the strength of your dog’s bite. When small fragments start to fall from a chew toy, it is time to replace it. When ingested, these small fragments can cause distress and blockage of your service dog’s digestive track. Ask your vet or trainer for recommendations of appropriate chew toys.

 You and your service dog in Florida are a terrific team. Keeping him or her healthy and safe should be as important to you as your well-being and safety is to him.