We like to think of our homes as safe havens—not just for us, but for our pets too. But sometimes, danger lurks in places we don’t expect. Our sweet Xena, a beautiful black and white Pomeranian in foster care, recently reminded us of just how quickly something ordinary can turn into an emergency.
Xena LOVES food (and just about anything she can get her mouth on). One day, she set her eyes on a refrigerator decoration. This determined little girl actually jumped up, managed to remove the decoration, and pried off the magnets. To Xena, they probably seemed like treats or something fun to chew on. Before anyone could stop her—down they went.
It didn’t take long for her foster mom to realize something was very wrong. She rushed Xena to the emergency vet, where an X-ray revealed the truth: the magnets were stuck inside her little body. Because magnets can cause severe internal damage—sometimes sticking together through the walls of the intestines—surgery was the only option. Thankfully, the surgery was successful, and Xena is on the road to recovery.
The Lesson We Learned
Xena’s story is a powerful reminder that many everyday items in our homes can be hazardous to pets, even ones we might not think twice about. Some common household dangers include:
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Magnets – Especially those from toys, gadgets, or refrigerator decorations. Pets may jump, chew, or swallow them, leading to life-threatening blockages.
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Coins and batteries – Both can be toxic and extremely dangerous if ingested.
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String, ribbon, or hair ties – These may seem harmless, but they can cause intestinal blockages.
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Stuffing from decorator items – Pillows, ornaments, or seasonal décor often contain metallic or toxic filler not meant for pets. If it’s not designed for dogs, don’t give it to them!
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Houseplants – Many common plants, like lilies, poinsettias, or aloe, are toxic to pets.
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Food hazards – Grapes, onions, chocolate, and xylitol (found in sugar-free gum) are extremely harmful.
How to Protect Your Pets
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Pet-proof like you would for a toddler. Get down to their level and see what might be within reach.
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Store small objects safely. Magnets, coins, and batteries should be kept in drawers or containers.
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Don’t repurpose décor as dog toys. If it wasn’t designed for dogs, it may contain hidden dangers.
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Be mindful during playtime. Supervise your pets with toys that contain small pieces or stuffing.
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Learn what’s toxic. Post a list of harmful foods and plants somewhere visible in your kitchen.
Xena was lucky—her foster mom acted quickly, and her story has a happy ending. But not all pets are so fortunate. By being proactive and looking at your home through your pet’s curious eyes, you can prevent accidents before they happen.
Xena may be tiny, but she’s taught us a big lesson: sometimes, the most unexpected hazards are the ones we least suspect.
