Pet-Proofing Your Home: A Room-by-Room Guide

In 2024, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center responded to over 451,000 calls from pet parents whose pets were exposed to potential toxins. Many of these exposures happen at home. Here's how to make your space safer.

Kitchen

• Store chocolate, xylitol (sugar-free gum), grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic out of reach
• Keep cleaning products in locked cabinets or high shelves
• Secure trash cans with lids - bones and spoiled food are tempting
• Never leave hot stoves unattended around curious pets

Living Room

• Check for small items that can be swallowed: buttons, coins, hair ties, small toys
• Secure or hide electrical cords
• Anchor heavy furniture and TVs that could tip
• Be cautious with candles and space heaters

Bathroom

• Keep toilet lids closed (especially if you use drop-in cleaners)
• Store medications in closed cabinets - common OTC drugs like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are toxic to pets
• Secure razors, dental floss, and cotton swabs

Bedroom

• Keep jewelry, especially items with small parts, in closed boxes
• Watch for dropped pills or vitamins
• Secure window blind cords that can cause strangulation

Garage & Yard

• Store antifreeze (ethylene glycol) securely - it's sweet-tasting and deadly
• Keep rodent baits and insecticides in locked areas
• Check your yard for toxic plants

Toxic Plants to Remove

According to the ASPCA, these common plants are toxic to pets:

• Lilies - Highly toxic to cats; even small ingestion causes severe kidney damage
• Sago Palms - All parts are toxic to dogs and cats; seeds are most dangerous
• Tulips and Daffodils - Bulbs are particularly toxic
• Oleander - Causes serious heart problems
• Pothos (Devil's Ivy) - Common houseplant that irritates mouth and GI tract
• Azaleas and Rhododendrons - Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Emergency Preparedness

Keep these numbers accessible:

• Your regular veterinarian
• Nearest 24-hour emergency vet
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (fee may apply)