Keep Your Dog Safe: Garage Hazards That Could Land Them in the ER
Keeping your dog safe and out of the emergency room — here's the garage safety segment!
The garage might seem like just another room in your home, but it can be dangerous for dogs. While it may be convenient to let your dog follow you into the garage while you're working on a project or loading the car, it's important to realize that this space wasn't designed with pet safety in mind.
Never Leave Your Dog Alone in the Garage
Whether it is for a few seconds or a few minutes, never leave your dog unsupervised in the garage. Dogs are naturally curious — they'll sniff, chew, or lick things they shouldn't. That innocent curiosity can quickly lead to a medical emergency.
Toxic Substances Are Everywhere
Many common garage items are toxic to dogs, even in the smallest amounts. Here are some of the biggest culprits:
Antifreeze: It has an attracting sweet taste to dogs but is deadly even in tiny doses.
Gasoline and motor oil: Harmful if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin.
Weed killer, fertilizers, and pesticides: Highly poisonous if licked off paws or fur.
Paints, solvents, and adhesives: Contain chemicals that can cause burns or internal damage.
Cleaning products and detergents: Can cause vomiting, respiratory distress, or worse.
Rodent bait or traps: These are often placed in garages and can be fatal if consumed.
De-icing salts: These can cause severe irritation to paw pads and are toxic if ingested.
Batteries: Car batteries contain sulfuric acid that can cause severe burns, while smaller batteries (like those used in remote controls) can cause intestinal blockages or chemical burns if chewed or swallowed.
Warning Signs of Poisoning
If you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic from the garage, get to the Veterinarian immediately and watch for these symptoms:
Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
Vomiting or diarrhea
Difficulty breathing
Dilated pupils or rapid eye movement
Excessive thirst or urination
Weakness, tremors, or seizures
Disorientation or lack of coordination
Essential Tip: Keep the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center number (888-426-4435) in your phone contacts for immediate guidance in case of suspected poisoning.
Physical Hazards in the Garage
Aside from toxic substances, the garage is full of physical dangers your dog could run into:
Electrical cords: Chewing on a cord can cause electrocution or serious burns.
Sharp tools: Items like rakes, saws, and screwdrivers can cause cuts or puncture wounds.
Heavy or unstable items: Bicycles, ladders, items stacked on shelves, or the shelves themself can fall and injure your dog.
Plastic bags or packaging: Can cause suffocation if your dog gets their head stuck or if they try to chew or swallow.
Small parts like screws, nuts, and nails: Pose a choking hazard or can cause internal injury if swallowed.
Power tools: Even unplugged, these pose risks from sharp edges or loose parts that could be swallowed.
Garage doors: Dogs can be crushed or seriously injured if they run under a closing automatic garage door, even if safety sensors are in place.
Vehicles: Hot engines, tire wells, and the underside of cars can attract curious dogs, putting them at risk of burns or injury when vehicles are moved.
Temperature Extremes
Garages are often not temperature-controlled. In the summer, they can become dangerously hot. In the winter, they can become bitterly cold and expose your dog to hypothermia or frostbite.
Even with ventilation, the temperature in a closed garage can fluctuate rapidly and reach unsafe levels, making it an unsuitable place for dogs to be left alone — even temporarily.
How to recognize heat stroke:
Excessive panting and drooling
Bright red gums and tongue
Lethargy or disorientation
Rapid heartbeat
Vomiting or diarrhea
Collapse or unconsciousness
How to recognize hypothermia:
Shivering (though this may stop in severe cases)
Weakness and lethargy
Muscle stiffness
Slow heartbeat and breathing
Fixed, dilated pupils
Always Know Where Your Dog Is — Especially Around Vehicles
One of the most heartbreaking and preventable accidents involves dogs being hit by a vehicle in their own driveway or garage. Always keep your dog in full view and away from any vehicle that is about to move. Before you (or your guest) start the car, thoroughly check to ensure your dog isn't behind, under, or near the vehicle. Sadly, there are too many stories of dogs getting run over because the driver didn't realize their pet had followed them out or slipped behind the car. Make it a habit to secure your dog in the house or a fenced area before any vehicle is put into motion.
Tips for Making Your Garage Safer
If your dog must be in the garage with you occasionally, take these precautions:
Store all chemicals and tools high up or in locked cabinets.
Use cord covers or organizers to keep electrical cords out of reach.
Ensure shelves are secure and not overpacked, and that bikes and tools are mounted properly.
Keep the floor clean and free from spills or dropped objects.
Never use the garage as a substitute for a kennel or play area.
Consider installing a pet gate to create a safe zone if your dog will be near the garage entrance.
Create an Emergency Plan
Hopefully, you'll never have to experience an emergency, but be prepared for home emergencies because it can save your dog's life:
Keep a pet first aid kit somewhere accessible but out of your dog's reach. Kits vary, but can include gauze, elastic bandages, saline solution, styptic pencil, a blanket, tweezers, and more.
Post emergency contact information including your vet's number, the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic, and the poison control hotline (ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435).
Whether you frequently work in the garage with your dog nearby or not, consider taking a pet first aid course to learn how to respond to common emergencies.
Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center —888-426-4435 or your Veterinarian immediately. Knowing what to do in those critical first minutes can make all the difference.
In Conclusion
Your dog depends on you to create a safe living environment. While the garage may seem harmless, it is full of potential threats to your dog. Prevention and awareness can go a long way in protecting your dog from injury or poisoning — and sparing you a terrifying and expensive trip to the emergency vet.
Remember that even the most well-behaved dogs can get into trouble when curiosity takes over. The best approach is to keep your garage organized, secure hazardous materials, and keep your dog in a safer part of your home.
Your dog's safety starts at home — including in the garage.
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Dog Life Made Better (Fayes Labs LLC) does not provide or intend to provide veterinary advice. While we provide information, resources, and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Please consult your veterinarian accordingly.