After sharing the recent post about Bufo toads, I started thinking about the other safety issues dog owners should keep on their radar, especially at home.
Remy has a way of reminding me. He hears a crumb hit the kitchen floor before I do. He notices an open tote bag before anyone else in the room. And if a guest leaves something interesting within reach, he will absolutely be the first to investigate.
None of this means we need to live in a state of panic. It just means our homes deserve a second look when a dog lives there too.
A guest might leave a purse open on a chair, or a vitamin bottle on the nightstand. Gum can end up tucked inside a tote bag, and a single grape might roll under the kitchen island without anyone noticing. Even a plant that looks beautiful can turn out to be unsafe for dogs.
Most of these items don’t seem dangerous, which is exactly why they slip by unnoticed.
A few reliable resources are worth saving before you need them.
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has helpful information on poisonous plants, people foods, household products, and seasonal toxins. It also shares a 24-hour poison control number to call if you think your pet may have ingested something dangerous.
Pet Poison Helpline has a searchable poison list organized by category, including plants, medications, foods, garage items, garden items, household items, insecticides, and more.
I would also keep your veterinarian’s number saved in your phone, along with the closest emergency vet. It only takes a moment to do this when things are calm, and it can make a big difference if something urgent happens.
Here are the places I would check first:
- Plants: Before bringing in a new plant or flower arrangement, check whether it is dog safe.
- Bags and purses: Ask guests to keep bags zipped or off the floor, especially if they may contain medication, gum, snacks, or supplements.
- Kitchen floors: Grapes, onions, chocolate, and certain sugar-free products are worth watching for. Remy is always faster than I am when something falls.
- Cleaning products: Keep them secured, even if they are tucked away in a cabinet you think your dog ignores.
- Scented products: I love a home that smells fresh, but with Remy, I am more thoughtful about how I get there. Plug-ins, room sprays, diffusers, candles, and essential oils are not all created with pets in mind. Some can be irritating, and some oils can be dangerous if a dog inhales too much, licks residue, or gets into the bottle. Fresh air, clean fabrics, and pet-safe products are usually where I start.
- Outdoor areas: After rain, especially in South Florida, check patios, grass, and doorways before letting your dog wander out. Bufo toads are a real concern here, but so are fertilizers, pesticides, and other things that can get tracked or washed into outdoor spaces.
None of this means your home needs to feel restricted or overly managed. A beautiful home should still feel lived in. It should have flowers, dinner parties, open doors, favorite candles, and people coming in and out.
But when a dog lives there too, it helps to add one more layer of thought. A dog-friendly home is not about perfection. It is about paying attention to small things before something becomes a bigger problem.
And honestly, Remy would probably say the kitchen floor is still the most important place to start.
What Remy and I Noticed This Month:
Everyday dog safety often starts at home, where the AVMA lists foods, medications, cleaners, plants, and other common household items as potential hazards for pets.
Worth a look: American Veterinary Medical Association’s “Household Hazards”
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