Household Items to Keep Away from Dogs While At Home Dog Sitting

In-home dog sitting has become increasingly popular in recent years, offering pets the comfort of a home environment rather than traditional kennel boarding. This trend is especially notable in places like Traverse City, where pet owners are seeking more personalized care for their furry family members. However, welcoming dogs into your home comes with significant responsibility. Even the most well-behaved canines can be naturally curious, making it essential to create a safe environment by dog-proofing your living space.

For those offering professional dog sitting services or in-home dog sitting, understanding potential household hazards is crucial not only for the pets’ safety but also for your peace of mind and professional reputation. In Traverse City, where outdoor adventures with dogs are common, having a secure indoor environment becomes even more important when pets need rest and recovery after exploring the region’s beautiful trails and beaches.

Why Dog-Proofing Matters

Dogs explore their world primarily through smell and taste, which often leads to chewing or ingesting items that catch their interest. This natural behavior can quickly turn dangerous in an unprepared home environment.

Dog-proofing matters for several crucial reasons:

Dogs’ curiosity extends beyond their own toys and food. Without proper precautions, this curiosity can lead to dangerous situations involving household items never intended for canine consumption.

Accidental poisoning or injury can happen rapidly, sometimes with devastating consequences. Many common household items are toxic to dogs in ways they aren’t to humans.

As a professional offering dog sitting at their home, you may face liability issues if a pet becomes injured or ill while under your care. Thorough dog-proofing helps protect both the animals and your business.

Creating a calm, safe environment allows visiting dogs to relax more easily in an unfamiliar setting, making the experience better for everyone involved.

Toxic and Dangerous Household Items to Keep Away

Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs

Many everyday foods that are perfectly safe for humans can be dangerous or even deadly for dogs. When providing in-home dog sitting, be especially vigilant about:

• Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which dogs cannot metabolize effectively. Dark and baking chocolate are particularly dangerous.
• Grapes and raisins: Can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts.
• Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives: These cause damage to red blood cells and can lead to anemia.
• Xylitol: This artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum, candy, some peanut butter brands, and many processed foods can cause rapid insulin release, leading to liver failure and hypoglycemia.
• Avocados: Contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
• Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some medications. Can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors.
• Alcohol: Even small amounts can cause damage to a dog’s liver and brain.
• Macadamia nuts: Can cause weakness, hyperthermia, vomiting, and inability to walk.
• Cooked bones and greasy leftovers: Cooked bones can splinter and cause internal damage, while fatty foods can trigger pancreatitis.
• Raw yeast dough: Can expand in a dog’s stomach, causing pain and potential bloat, while also producing alcohol as it ferments.

Cleaning Supplies and Chemicals

Professional dog sitters at their home should be particularly careful with household cleaners, which often contain chemicals toxic to pets:

• Bleach and ammonia-based products: Both can cause severe irritation to a dog’s respiratory system and skin.
• Laundry pods and detergents: Their concentrated formula can cause chemical burns and internal damage if chewed or ingested.
• Toilet bowl cleaners and drain uncloggers: These highly caustic products can cause severe burns to the mouth, esophagus, and stomach.
• Floor cleaners and disinfectant sprays: May contain phenols, which are particularly toxic to dogs.
• Air fresheners: Both plug-in and aerosol varieties can contain chemicals harmful to dogs if inhaled or ingested.
• Antifreeze and windshield washer fluid: Particularly dangerous as they often have a sweet taste attractive to dogs, but contain ethylene glycol which causes kidney failure.

Human Medications and Supplements

Medications that help humans can be deadly to dogs. When offering dog sitting Traverse City services, ensure all medications are securely stored:

• Prescription drugs: Antidepressants, painkillers, blood pressure medications, and others can cause serious harm to dogs.
• Over-the-counter medications: Common pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can cause kidney and liver damage or failure.
• Cold/flu remedies: Often contain multiple ingredients harmful to dogs, including decongestants and pain relievers.
• Vitamins: Especially those containing Vitamin D or iron, which can be toxic in large amounts.
• Pet medications not meant for the dog: Medications prescribed for other pets in the household may be harmful to dogs or be at improper dosages.

Toxic Houseplants

Many common houseplants can cause adverse reactions ranging from mild irritation to serious illness or death in dogs:

• Sago palm: All parts are poisonous, but the seeds contain the highest concentration of toxins.
• Aloe vera: While beneficial to humans, the gel can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in dogs.
• Lilies: Some varieties are more dangerous to cats, but can still cause digestive upset in dogs.
• Snake plant: Can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Philodendron: Contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause intense pain and irritation in the mouth and digestive tract.
• Pothos: Similar to philodendron in its toxic effects.
• Dieffenbachia: Also called “dumb cane,” it can cause swelling of the mouth and tongue, making it difficult for dogs to breathe or swallow.
• Tulips and daffodils: The bulbs contain the highest concentration of toxins and can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation, abnormal heart rate, and breathing problems.

Beauty and Personal Care Items

Items from your bathroom and vanity can pose serious risks to curious canines:

• Toothpaste: Human toothpaste often contains xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
• Lotion and sunscreen: Can contain chemicals harmful if ingested, and may cause stomach upset.
• Deodorants and perfumes: Contain alcohols and other chemicals that can cause respiratory and digestive issues.
• Hair products: Gels, dyes, and sprays contain chemicals that can be harmful if licked or chewed.
• Nail polish and remover: Contain solvents and other toxic chemicals that can cause severe reactions if ingested.

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Choking Hazards & Swallowing Risks

Small Household Items

Dogs, especially those unfamiliar with your home during at home dog sitting, may chew on items that could become lodged in their throat or digestive tract:

• Hair ties and scrunchies: Can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed.
• Jewelry and rings: Small pieces can be swallowed or cause choking.
• Coins: Modern coins contain zinc, which can cause toxicity in addition to potential blockages.
• Batteries: Especially dangerous are button batteries, which can cause chemical burns and heavy metal poisoning.
• Rubber bands: Can wrap around intestines or cause blockages.
• Sewing items: Needles, pins, and threads can pierce internal organs or create linear foreign bodies that saw through intestines.

Clothing and Laundry Items

When providing dog sitting services, be mindful of these common household items:

• Socks, underwear, baby clothes: Frequently swallowed by dogs and can cause dangerous intestinal blockages requiring surgery.
• Dryer sheets and fabric softeners: Contain cationic detergents that can cause chemical burns and respiratory problems.

Children’s Toys or Pet Toys with Small Parts

• Plastic eyes or squeakers: Can detach from pet toys and become choking hazards.
• Puzzle pieces or Lego blocks: Small plastic pieces can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed.

Electrical & Fire Hazards

Dogs may chew on electrical items or bump into fire hazards, creating dangerous situations:

• Dangling electrical cords: Can cause electrical burns to the mouth or even electrocution if chewed.
• Phone and laptop chargers: Both the cords and transformer boxes can be hazardous if chewed.
• Open outlets or surge protectors: Curious noses and paws can receive shocks.
• Space heaters and radiators: Dogs may knock these over or burn themselves on hot surfaces.
• Burning candles or incense: Can be knocked over, creating fire hazards, or cause respiratory irritation.
• Fireplaces: Especially dangerous without proper screens, as dogs may be burned by embers or smoke inhalation.
• Hot stovetops, ovens, or toasters: Can cause severe burns if dogs jump up or bump into them.

Trash, Toilets, and Miscellaneous

Trash Concerns

• Open trash bins: Provide access to harmful food scraps, wrappers, and other dangerous items.
• Used tissues or dental floss: Can cause intestinal blockages if ingested.
• Feminine hygiene products: Can expand when ingested, causing dangerous blockages.

Other Household Concerns

• Toilet water: May contain cleaning chemicals harmful if drunk, or a drowning hazard for small dogs.
• Sharp tools, scissors, and razors: Can cause cuts, punctures, or internal damage if chewed or stepped on.

Tips to Dog-Proof Your Home as an At-Home Dog Sitter

Creating a safe environment for visiting dogs requires thoughtful preparation:

• Use baby gates or close doors: Limit dogs’ access to potentially dangerous areas of your home.
• Store dangerous items in closed cabinets or high shelves: Keep all chemicals, medications, and small choking hazards well out of reach.
• Keep floors clean and clutter-free: Regularly vacuum and sweep to remove small items dogs might find and ingest.
• Provide dog-safe toys and chews: Offer appropriate alternatives to discourage chewing on household items.
• Always supervise unfamiliar dogs: During their first visit for dog sitting at your home, keep a close eye on pets as they explore their new environment.
• Set up a designated “dog zone”: Create a safe area with the dog’s bed, water, and toys where they can relax securely.

Specific Advice for Dog Sitters in Traverse City

As a dog sitter Traverse City professional, consider these local factors:

• Be aware of seasonal dangers: Traverse City’s seasonal changes bring different risks, from antifreeze in winter to certain mushrooms and plants in spring and summer.
• Inform clients about home preparation: Include information about your dog-proofing practices in your marketing materials to demonstrate professionalism and care.
• Include pet-safe cleaning practices: Advertise your use of pet-friendly cleaning products as part of your dog sitting Traverse City services.
• Network with local veterinarians: Establish relationships with emergency vet services in the Traverse City area in case of accidents.
• Consider local wildlife interactions: Be aware that dogs visiting from urban areas may be unfamiliar with wildlife smells they might encounter on your property.

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Final Thoughts

Creating a safe environment is the foundation of quality in-home dog sitting. By thoroughly dog-proofing your home, you not only protect the pets in your care but also give their owners peace of mind knowing their beloved companions are in safe hands.

For professional dog sitters at their home in Traverse City, taking these precautions demonstrates your commitment to providing exceptional care. At TC Tails, we pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of safety for all dogs we welcome into our homes. Our dog sitting services go beyond just providing food and walks – we create secure, comfortable environments where pets can thrive while their owners are away.

If you’re in Traverse City looking for reliable dog sitting care, trust TC Tails to treat your four-legged family members as our own. Our thorough understanding of canine safety needs and attentive care ensure that your pet’s stay with us will be both enjoyable and secure. Contact TC Tails today to learn more about our comprehensive in-home dog sitting services and how we prepare our homes to welcome your pets safely.

FAQs

What should I do if my dog ingests something toxic while under a dog sitter’s care?

Contact your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. If possible, bring the packaging or a sample of what was ingested. Inform the dog sitter about what happened so they can provide relevant details about the incident.

How do I find a dog sitter in Traverse City who specializes in caring for dogs with special needs?

Ask for recommendations from your veterinarian, local pet groups on social media, or pet supply stores. Interview potential sitters about their experience with special needs dogs, and request references from clients with similar pets. TC Tails may offer specialized care – contact them directly about your specific requirements.

What questions should I ask a potential dog sitter about their home safety measures?

Ask about their dog-proofing routine, experience handling emergencies, familiarity with pet first aid, and proximity to veterinary care. Inquire about how many dogs they watch simultaneously and whether their home has secure fencing. Request a video tour of their space if you can’t visit in person.

Are there any seasonal outdoor hazards specific to Traverse City that dog sitters should be aware of?

Yes – watch for blue-green algae in waters during warm months, tick exposure in wooded areas year-round (especially spring through fall), ice hazards and salt exposure in winter, and wildlife encounters (porcupines, skunks) during outdoor activities. Dog sitters should be knowledgeable about local terrain risks.

What’s the typical cost range for in-home dog sitting services in Traverse City?

Rates typically range from $35-$60 per night depending on the sitter’s experience, number of dogs, special care requirements, and length of stay. Day visits without overnight care usually cost $20-$30 per visit. Ask about discounts for multiple pets or extended stays.

What items should I provide when dropping my dog off for in-home sitting?

Bring your dog’s regular food, medications, favorite toys/blanket, leash and collar with ID tags, bedding, and detailed care instructions. Also provide vaccination records, medication schedule, feeding guidelines, and emergency contact information including your veterinarian’s number.