You know that your dog and cat think that the kitchen is a great place, especially when you are cooking and spilling scraps for them to lick from the floor.  But did you know that kitchens can also be dangerous places for your companion animals?

Our kitchens contain items that are potentially hazardous or toxic for companion animals. Some of the foods that we  eat and enjoy are toxic to dogs and cats. Chocolate, onions, grapes and raisins, macadamia nuts, and mushrooms, all fall into the category of “never feed.” Ingestion of these foods may lead to the death of your companion if she eats too much.  For example, 8 oz. of unsweetened baking chocolate contains enough theobromine (a chemical related to caffeine) to be lethal to a 50 lb. dog.

Kitchens are also filled with physical dangers. Boiling pots, a stray piece of glass from the last dropped plate, and plastic wrap in the garbage are all potential hazards if encountered by your companions.  Even something as ordinary as a microwave popcorn bag can pose a hazard.  A dog trying to lick the remnants of butter from the bottom of the bag can easily get her head stuck and suffocate.

Use common sense in your kitchen to protect your companion animals from hazards in the same way you would protect a child.  Keep potentially harmful foods, wrappings, and substances in sealed containers and/or in unreachable areas. Keep trash in tightly closed containers or closed into the pantry.

If you suspect that your pet has ingested something hazardous, immediately call your vet or the National Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
 

The APS Education Committee works to educate the Durham and Triangle communities on all animal related issues.  If you would like to volunteer for the Education Committee or if you would like a humane educator to make a presentation to your classroom or community group, please contact the APS Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@apsofdurham.org or 560-0640.