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The Dirty Truth: Pet Safety Hazards Hiding in Your Homes and Gardens


October 15, 2025

You’ve scrubbed the counters, mopped the floors, watered the plants, and stepped back to admire your hard work. But beneath that picture-perfect glow lurks a lineup of silent offenders: cleaners, fertilizers, and even houseplants that could turn your pet’s safe haven into a danger zone. In this second installment of Barking Mad’s Toxicity Trilogy, we investigate the hidden hazards in our homes, from corrosive cleaning products to deadly lilies and lawn care items. Featuring insights from animal toxicology experts, join us as we investigate how to keep our homes clean, our lawns green, and our pets healthy.

Episode Description

You’ve scrubbed the counters, mopped the floors, watered the plants, and stepped back to admire your hard work. But beneath that picture-perfect glow lurks a lineup of silent offenders: cleaners, fertilizers, and even houseplants that could turn your pet’s safe haven into a danger zone. In this second installment of Barking Mad’s Toxicity Trilogy, we investigate the hidden hazards in our homes, from corrosive cleaning products to deadly lilies and lawn care items. Featuring insights from animal toxicology experts, join us as we investigate how to keep our homes clean, our lawns green, and our pets healthy.

Helpful Links

🎧 Check out our first episode about fragrance-related pet toxicities: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/scented-suspects-pet-safety-in-a-fragrant-world

🌐 Learn more about:


ASPCA Pet Poison Control Phone Number: (888) 426-4435

Pet Poison Helpline Phone Number: (855) 764-7661

🪴 Read more about household plants that are toxic to pets: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

☣️ The Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2024: https://www.aspca.org/news/official-top-10-toxins-2024

📋 Find a searchable list of poisonous household products from the ASPCA here, and a comprehensive pet poison list from Pet Poison Helpline here.

Show Notes

00:20 – Inside the Episode

02:26 – Introducing Today’s Experts

03:28 – Household Cleaning Products: The Hidden Offenders

07:31 – Beware of Cationic Detergents Around Cats!

08:22 – Alcohols, VOCs, and Safer Formulations

13:22 – A Warning for Bird Owners

14:22 – Houseplants: Beautiful but Deadly

20:20 – Beyond Lilies: More Plants to Avoid

22:01 – Outdoor Risks: Lawn and Garden Care Suspects

26:23 – Herbicides and Ice Melts: What’s Actually Safe?

28:57 – Flea & Tick Products: Made to Kill, but Safe for Pets?

36:30 – The Industry’s Role in Developing Safe Pet Products

37:01 – Today’s Key Takeaways


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