Household Hazards for Pets
Anti-freeze
The sweet smell and taste of anti-freeze are attractive to dogs, cats and small children, but even a teaspoon can be fatal. Anti-freeze can leak onto the floor of the garage or driveway, be licked off the animal's fur, or even off the side of the jug.
Chocolate
Dogs think chocolate is a great treat and so do some well-meaning owners. It is very toxic (poisonous), even in small amounts. Don't leave any around, or even wrapped under the Christmas tree where Rover can get to it.
Slug Bait
Pellets resemble dog food, and the liquid form (such as Deadline) smells very appealing. Even a small bit of snail bait can cause convulsions. Larger amounts can cause death. Use natural control methods, such as diatomaceous earth, salt, or beer in a saucer for snail and slug control.
Electric Cords
A curious dog, especially a puppy, will chew things while exploring. If you cannot keep all cords out of reach, spraying them with bitter apple (available in pet supply stores) or a mixture of a small amount of tobasco sauce and water will discourage him and prevent him from being electrocuted.
Chain Collars (also known as choke or training collars)
A chain collar left on an unsupervised dog can strangle him if it gets tangled in a bush, fence, door handle, or even when playing with another dog. Attach his ID tags to a nylon or leather collar, and take the training collar off when you're not in training.
Rocks, Sticks, Cloth, Plastic
Though not a poison, your dog can show similar symptoms like lethargy or vomiting after eating a rock, stick, string, or other object. You can't keep every little pebble out of the yard, but be aware that they can cause an intestinal blockage requiring surgery. Eating rocks sometimes indicates a mineral or vitamin deficiency that your veterinarian can correct through the use of dietary supplements.
Clothes Dryers
A dryer can seem like a safe, warm, cozy place for a kitty to take a nap. Keep dryer doors closed.
SOURCE: PAWS [Progressive Animal Welfare Society]