P to Z: Pesticides, Purses, and Physical Hazards

The final stretch of our A-to-Z guide covers chemical, physical, and miscellaneous dangers that every pet owner should be aware of.

Pesticides and Rodenticides

Insecticides, slug and snail baits, and rodenticides (rat and mouse poison) are designed to be lethal and are a major risk to pets. Rodenticides are particularly insidious because they are often formulated to be tasty. Different types work in different ways—some prevent blood clotting, causing internal bleeding, while others cause brain swelling or kidney failure. Even if you don’t use these products, your pet could be exposed if they catch and eat a poisoned rodent. Always opt for non-toxic pest control methods or use baits only in locations completely inaccessible to your pets.

Purses, Backpacks, and Bags

A purse or backpack is a treasure trove of potential dangers. It can contain sugar-free gum with xylitol, medications, cosmetics, hand sanitizer (which contains alcohol), and other items that are hazardous if ingested. Make it a household rule to hang up bags or store them in a closed closet, never on the floor where a pet can easily explore the contents.

Physical and Mechanical Hazards

Strings, Yarn, and Ribbons: These are especially dangerous for cats, who love to play with them. If swallowed, these “linear foreign bodies” can anchor in the digestive tract and act like a saw, bunching up and cutting through the intestines as the body tries to pass them. This is a surgical emergency. Never let pets play with these items unsupervised.

Windows and Balconies: Unscreened windows pose a serious fall risk, particularly for cats who can be distracted by a bird or insect outside. Ensure all windows have secure, sturdy screens.

Zinc and Other Metals: Pennies minted after 1982 are composed mostly of zinc. If a dog swallows one, stomach acid can break it down, leading to zinc toxicity, which causes severe anemia and can damage the kidneys, liver, and pancreas. Other metal objects can also pose a risk.

Teaching a “Leave It” Cue: A Mini-Example

One of the best ways to prevent your pet from ingesting a household hazard is to teach a reliable “leave it” cue using positive reinforcement. This method uses rewards to build a desired behavior, rather than punishment for an unwanted one.

Step 1: Hold a low-value treat (like a piece of their kibble) in your closed fist. Let your dog sniff your hand. They will likely paw or lick at it. The instant they pull their head away, even for a second, say “Yes!” in an upbeat tone and give them a high-value treat (like a tiny piece of chicken) from your other hand. The reward for ignoring the boring thing is something better.

Step 2: Once your dog is reliably turning away from your fist, add the verbal cue. As they move toward your hand, say “Leave it” in a calm, neutral voice. Mark and reward their decision to back away.

Step 3: Increase the difficulty by placing the low-value item on the floor and covering it with your hand. Repeat the process. The goal is for them to look at your face for the reward rather than trying to get the covered item. Gradually, you can lift your hand off, but be ready to cover the item if they lunge for it. With consistency and patience, you can build a life-saving skill that helps keep your pet safe at home.