Keeping your dog safe is something that should always be a top priority. Even though most dog owners are knowledgeable of certain common dangers, there are several common threats that many don't think about until something happens. Knowing what poses a risk to your dog may help you stop a lot of issues before they begin.

Potential Dangers

Keep pets away from harmful substances such as paint, as pets and paint just don't go together. It's not uncommon for dogs to come into contact with materials with a lot of chemicals when the owners are involved in home improvement or similar projects. Even household cleaners or detergents might present a problem if used somewhere that a dog can access easily. Even products labeled as non-toxic can still make a dog sick if ingested as the ingredients may only be human-child safe. Examples include paints that are often used in kids' craft projects. Clay and putty are also examples of hazardous items because of dangerous ingredients or the ability to become lodged in the digestive tract.

Take Action

Although most owners already use common sense measures like keeping dogs away from open containers, keeping potential hazards out of reach, to begin with, is always best. Using locations on high shelves or locked cabinets is always a start. If your home has a pool, consider keeping it fenced if your dog spends a lot of time unsupervised outside. The chemicals used to keep pool water clean are often dangerous to dogs, who will drink out of a pool if given access and they lack water. Making sure your dog always has fresh water outside will help prevent these types of situations.

When Emergencies Happen

Even the most careful dog owners can end up with a dog being accidentally poisoned. Whenever such a poisoning occurs, rapid action is necessary to help counteract the poison and prevent further damage. All poisons differ in which systems they affect, making contacting your vet right away all the more important. Whenever possible, have at hand the container the offending substance was in. Never induce vomiting unless a vet advises you to do so. The sooner your dog gets help, the higher their survival chances. 

Even though there are many things dangerous to dogs, taking steps to avoid poisoning is an excellent way to alleviate any possible problems.