Animal Welfare Network

of Lane County

 

Hazard Checklist

 

This is an excellent list of hazards that can be found in and around homes.   The initial list was compiled by Col. Potter's Cairn Rescue Network and intended to assist in conducting home visits of rescue applicants. However, it's a great tool for anyone to help find and repair dangerous, or potentially dangerous, situations in a home.   The list has been expanded and is useful for cats as well as dogs.

 

HAZARDS IN AND AROUND THE HOME

 

Below are common household hazards that may jeopardize a pet’s health, may cause death, or allow a pet to escape. This list is not complete so ask yourself "could this cause a problem with a curious pet?" Keep in mind that a new pet might want to jump, explore, escape or generally get into everything that it possibly can.  Obviously, this is not the case with most pets, but it is surely better to be safe than sorry.

 

 

KITCHEN

□ TRASHCAN: Possible hazards: Bones, glass, plastic, foil, sanitary products, small objects, inappropriate/dangerous food, plastic trash bags. Raise trashcan to counter level, place under the sink behind tightly closed cabinet doors (see below) or move out of room if pet is to be kept in the kitchen.

□ CHEMICALS: Move all cleaning products and chemicals out of the kitchen OR install baby locks. Most are poisonous to animals.

□ LOOSE CABINET DOORS: All cabinet doors should be secure so pets cannot open them.

□ COUNTERTOPS/RANGE: Is all food and are all containers situated far enough from the edge of the countertops so that a pet cannot reach up and grab them or knock over items?

□PLASTIC BAGS: Present a very real choking and suffocation hazard.

□ PANTRY: Low storage bins may contain raw onions, chocolate chips, raisins or other foods that are harmful to pets. Plastic bags and foil bags are potential choking, impaction, strangulation hazards.

□ Ant or roach traps (applies to ANY area of the home), mousetraps, rat-bait or other traps should be located only where a pet cannot gain access to them.

 

 

BATHROOM(S)

□ Toilet bowl cleaners are toxic to pets. They should be stored in a secure cabinet.

□ Razors on bathtub ledge can be moved, potentially cutting the pet or possibly be swallowed.

□ Bathroom baskets often contain harmful products or chemicals. Be careful what is thrown in the bathroom baskets.

□ Products in the bathroom cabinet are often dangerous products and are poisonous to animals. Use baby latch or move products.

□ Prescription drugs on bathroom counter should be moved to cabinets or drawers.

 

 

CHILD ROOM(S)

□ Small items could be choking hazard.

□ Craft items and supplies could be dangerous choking/strangulation hazards.

□ Some pets tend to like small children’s socks, hair scrunchies, rubber bands, and pantyhose. And they are not noticeable if swallowed, but can create tremendous damage to a pet's internal organs.

 

 

ADULT BEDROOM(S)

□  Medication on nightstands can be poisonous to pets so they should be moved into drawers or cabinets.

□ Wires from lamps or other items are a chewing hazard that can electrocute pets as well as start fires.

□ Coins on floor (pennies can be lethal) are choking hazards.

□ Hobby or craft (sewing) items on floor may not be safe. They can puncture paws or other body parts and can be swallowed.

 

 

LIVING ROOM

□ Exposed wires from any source are a chewing/electrocution/fire hazard.

□ Small or glass items on low tables can be swallowed or broken.

□ Chocolate on a low table can make pets very sick or cause death if eaten.

□ Craft and hobby items such as sewing kits, knitting, and rubber bands might intrigue a pet and be swallowed, resulting in choking/strangulation.

 

 

GENERAL INTERIOR

□ Exposed wires from any source (suggest PVC pipe cut to size, banding with tie wraps, moving unnecessary items) are potential chewing/electrocution hazards.

□ Screen doors or windows that are not secure and/or torn screens could give a pet an escape route.

□ Items kept in plastic bags are choking or suffocation hazards.

□ Loose paint chips in older home can be eaten and are a lead poison hazard.

□ Dog bones, food-type toys, or favorite toys of a current dog could cause a fight since many dogs will NOT share immediately with any new dog.

□ Many live houseplants can cause problems. Please suggest that the potential owner check the AWN web page, Toxic Plants, for possible houseplant dangers.

□ If there is an existing dog, are ALL toys safe dog toys? Is there rawhide, which generally is not recommended (it can impact some dogs, or if compressed, become unraveled in dog's gut/intestine)? Check the squeaker in squeaky toys periodically to make sure the squeaker is not/cannot be dislodged - another choking hazard. Do any toys have sharp edges that could poke out an eye or cut a mouth or "button" type eyes or tags that can be chewed off and present a choking or strangulation hazard?

□ Socks and stockings are great toys, but should not be left lying around since dogs have been known to swallow them.

□ Is there a cat and are the cat toys dog proof? If too small they could easily be swallowed or may have small pieces that can be chewed off and swallowed.

□ Cat Box: Will the cat box be moved to an area that the dog cannot access? Will the cat’s food be moved to an area that the dog cannot reach (top of a counter or washer or dryer)? Cat food has too much ash in it for a dog’s digestion. Is there a safe place for the cat to escape from the dog when needed?

□ If there is currently a dog, does the owner pick up the poop or is it left lying? Parasite concern.

□ Wicker baskets or hampers seem to be an item that many dogs like to chew.

□ Children’s toys with batteries, remote controls, or cameras with batteries need to be kept where pets can't reach them. Batteries are lethal.

□ FIREPLACE: Does the fireplace have a screen? Is it safely attached? Does it prevent access to the fireplace? Is it sturdy, not wobbly?

□ Loose rubber backing on bathroom rugs or under area rugs could cause a choke/strangulation hazard. So could any frayed parts of rugs or carpets.

□ Curtain cords can be considered toys by both dogs and cats. Measures should be taken to assure pets cannot become caught and hang themselves.

 

 

GARAGE OR LAUNDRY ROOM

□ Anti-freeze/coolant spilled on garage floor is lethal to pets.

□ Chemicals or cleaning products that are stored low should be moved and stored above pets' reach.

□ Can automatic garage doors be opened from outside? The pet could run out.

□ Will the pet be kept in the garage for extended periods of time? Heat/cold could be dangerous since many garages aren't insulated.

□ Where are gardening products stored? Most can kill. Especially watch for slug/snail bait and pesticides/insecticides.

□ Are boxes of detergent or bleach bottles out of reach? They are toxic to pets.

 

 

FRONT & BACKYARDS

□ Are there plants in areas that the pet will be in with sharp thorns (roses), or needles (cactus gardens)? These should be circled with wire of some sort until the pet is used to the surroundings.

□ Snail bait or bug killers are lethal. Pets should not be allowed where these are spread. How are these areas blocked from pets?

□ Suggest that the applicant print out "Toxic Plants" from the AWNLC website (http://awnlc.net)

□ Bar-B-Que briquettes that are "easy light" should not be stored on ground level or within easy reach of pets since they can be toxic to pets.

□ Wires that any pet can chew (automatic sprinkler boxes?) and electrical outlets at male "pee" levels could cause shock.

□ Are utility boxes INSIDE the gate? How do meter readers read the meters with pets in the back yard?

□ If the pet is left outdoors is there protection from the elements? Shady areas?

□ Are there items in the yard that collect rainwater? Standing water can be a source of Giardia.

□ Are there garden chemical sprayers lying around? A chewed hose could be dangerous.

□ Are gardening tools stored safely away?

□ Birdseed can cause a pet to choke or become impacted.

□ Glass items at pet level can be knocked off and broken, causing injury.

□ Are the trashcans in an area that is free of glass and trash? Would a pet be able to get into a trashcan if motivated?

 

 

SWIMMING POOLS, PONDS AND WATER HAZARDS

□ Where are the pool chemicals stored? Is the area safe from pets?

□ Is the pool gated? If so, can a pet go through the gate? Wrought iron or picket-style fence type may allow a pet to squeeze through the slats - even the head (which could get caught and strangle the pet).

□ Is the pool equipment safely inside of a pool equipment room or enclosure?

□ Does the pool have a hard cover? Pets may drown in a pool with a hard cover because they get trapped underneath and they cannot get out. The addition of "pet stairs" is highly advisable. Owners MUST teach the dog where the steps are and how to swim - however, not all dogs can swim (good example: bulldogs sink).

 

 

EXTERIOR WALLS, FENCES AND GATES

□ How high is the wall or fence and how spaced are any slats? Can the pet go through or over or under?

□ Are walls, fences and gates in GOOD repair with all boards or wire intact?

□ Is the yard completely or partially fenced? If partially fenced, what precautions are taken to keep the pet confined to the yard?

□ Does the owner have electric fencing? It is NOT recommended. It does not detract other dogs or cats and once a collared pet leaves the electric fencing, it most likely will not go through it to return home and back into the yard.

□ Are there dogs next door that can bite through a fence if they are aggressive?

□ Do the gates have secure latches with locks? Are gates kept closed/locked?

□ Is there any item near a wall such as a table or chair that a pet can use as a spring board to get over a fence? This includes possible plants growing on a wall.

 

 

BALCONIES

□ How wide are the slats? How high is the balcony wall? Can a pet go through the slats, jump over or climb under the wall/fencing?

□ Are there ANY objects NEAR the wall that the pet can climb onto and attempt escape (table, chair or planter)?

□ Are there any objects that could fall over if nudged, such as a bike?

□ Until a family has had a pet for a while and learns the personality of the new pet, any item can be a potential hazard or danger. Valuable items should be moved to a higher level until such time the pet will leave items alone - which could be never.

 

 

HOLIDAYS - CELEBRATE SAFELY

 

Holidays pose their own particular hazards for pets, particularly the "gathering" events like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah. Things get a bit more hectic and chaotic - more visitors come to the home who may not know that certain foods or items are, or can be, dangerous to pets. More foods and items are in the home that are different and often enticing to pets. And the hub-bub of celebrating can cause pets a great deal of stress. Listed below are some of the top hazards facing pets during holiday seasons.

 

HALLOWEEN

□ Halloween candy, chocolate, and wrappers should be kept out of pets' reach. Candy is small enough to be swallowed whole, including the wrapper, creating a choking or strangulation hazard, and sugar and chocolate are dangerous for pets to ingest.

• Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Symptoms of significant chocolate ingestion may include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased thirst, urination and heart rate—and even seizures.

• Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol sweetener can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, which leads to depression, lack of coordination and seizures. In cases of significantly low blood sugar, liver failure has been known to occur.

• Ingesting tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage.

□ Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, yet they can produce gastrointestinal upset should pets ingest them, especially if large pieces are swallowed.

□ Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of your pets' reach. If chewed, shards of glass or plastic could damage your pet's mouth or throat, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

□ A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but exercise extreme caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

□ Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets.  UNLESS you know he or she loves it, don't put your dog or cat in a costume. For some pets,

”however, wearing a costume can cause undue stress.

□ If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede the ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider a simple festive bandana instead.

□ Make sure your pet's costume does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that could cause choking. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

□ All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

□ When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

□ Just in Case - always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and become lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can increase the chances that he or she will be returned to you

 

 

THANKSGIVING

□ Food, candies, and drinks should be kept out of pets' reach for all the same reasons that Halloween candies and chocolates should be. Particular care should be taken to make sure trash and food items such as bones, glass, plastic, foil, coffee grounds, small objects, inappropriate/dangerous food, plastic trash bags, for example, cannot be accessed by pets. Raise trashcan to counter level, place under the sink behind tightly closed cabinet doors (see below) or move out of room if pet is to be kept in the kitchen. Remove trash/garbage often.

□ Pay close attention to doors and gates. Guests may not be as attuned to where pets are when they come and go, making it easier for a pet, particularly if it is stressed or excited, to make a quick escape and possibly not be noticed as missing immediately.

 

CHRISTMAS/HANUKKAH

□ Decorations such as tinsel, ornaments, ornament hooks, wrapping paper, ribbon and even the Christmas tree pose dangers to pets. Shiny objects and materials can be considered toys. Tinsel, ribbon, string and the like can cause serious damage to the stomach and intestines, especially if a section gets caught. It can act like a saw. Ornaments look like balls to play with and can present choking hazards or worse, if they are glass and are broken. The tree water can make pets sick.

□ Holiday lights and candles can be attractive to pets. They can be shocked if they chew on the electrical cords and broken glass is dangerous if swallowed or stepped on. Low sitting candles can be knocked over, causing fires.

□ Holiday plants such as mistletoe, Christmas cactus, holly, poinsettias, ivy and hemlock are toxic to pets. They can cause slight abdominal discomfort or death. Mistletoe is especially toxic. All holiday plants should be placed where pets have no access to them. Fallen leaves, berries, and stems should be picked up immediately.

□ Guests can be unwittingly hazardous to pets as well. As stated above, they may leave doors or gates open, allowing pets to escape. They may leave medications on nightstands or bathroom counters where it is easy for pets to get into them and they may feed the pets inappropriate food.

□ Provide safe havens for pets when there is company - a room with a closed door, a secure crate - where they can feel safe away from the celebrations while company is in the home. Keep doors to guest rooms closed, eliminating pets' access to those rooms.

 

To print the Hazard Checklist, just click on the link below. It will open as a PDF file:

HAZARDS IN AND AROUND THE HOME