Keep your four-legged family members safe, happy, and healthy by pet-proofing your home. Besides the risk of people food, here are 6 dangerous household items for pets.

1. Medicines

Dogs will often chew on anything in sight out of boredom, separation anxiety, or just from being a curious puppy. Household items like human medications are toxic to pets and should always be stored in a safe and secure place.

2. Cleaning Products

Dogs tend to lick and chew at their paws, which is why it’s important to use safe and non-toxic cleaning products on your floors. For a list of household cleaning products that could be harmful to your pets, click here.

Cleaning Photo Credit: demaerre (iStock).

Photo Credit: demaerre (iStock).

3. Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergent could be hazardous to your pet’s health. Harsh chemicals found in certain detergents could be causing harmful reactions. If your pet has sensitive skin or allergies, consider switching to an all-natural brand or scent-free laundry detergent.

4. Batteries

Don’t make the mistake of keeping dangerous household items like the television remote within reach of your pets. Batteries are poisonous to pets if ingested. If your dog or cat has been exposed to this household danger, seek veterinary attention immediately.

5. Plants

Believe it or not, some household plants are toxic to your furry friends. Having plants around the home is a nice decorative touch as long as they are safe and pet-friendly. For more information on poisonous plants, click here.

Plants Photo Credit: sagarmanis (iStock).

Photo Credit: sagarmanis (iStock).

6. Toys

Removable pieces or tiny accessories from children’s toys are a choking hazard for pets. Keeping toys away from pets with small children can be tricky, but is necessary to keep your pets safe and healthy.