Poison Proof Your Home for Your Pets

​Last week was the 55th anniversary of Poison Prevention Week.

​While this national event is directed at raising awareness for the parents of small children, veterinarians at the Pet Poison Helpline remind us that our pets are also susceptible and vulnerable to accidental ingestion of potentially life threatening common household items.
 
We all know how curious our pets are - they can't resist smelling, tasting, and sometimes swallowing items that interest them. Poison proofing your home is a must! Simple steps such as checking your houseplants for toxicity and making sure all medications are secure will reduce the chances of your dog or cat coming into contact with a toxic substance.

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In conjunction with Poison Prevention Week, the Pet Poison Helpline categorized potentially poisonous situations by room in your house to make it easier to eliminate substances that could result in a very sick pet.
 
Living Room

• Houseplants - Autumn Crocus, Azalea, Cyclamen, Kalanchoe, Lilies, Oleander, Dieffenbachia, Daffodils, Lily of the Valley, Sago Palm, Tulips, Hyacinths.
• Liquid potpourri can cause chemical burns if ingested.
• Aerosols or heavily fragranced products - dangerous to birds.
• Ashtrays, smoking cessation products - nicotine can cause poisoning.
• Batteries - dogs love to chew them - can cause serious chemical burns.
• Purses - may contain medications, cigarettes, sugar free gum with xylitol which can cause death. No artificial sweeteners for dogs!!

 
Kitchen

• Human Foods - avocados, chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, currants, caffeine, fatty scraps, onions, garlic, chives, macadamia nuts, raw yeast bread dough, alcohol, table salt.
• Keep garbage cans out of reach - trash can contain many pet toxins.
• Alcoholic beverages - cause low blood sugar in pets.

 
Bathroom

• Keep all medications secure.
• Never give human medications to your pets unless instructed by your veterinarian. Two common meds that are extremely poisonous to your pets are acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil)
• Always check medication containers before giving any to your pet - make sure it is the correct med. Store your own medications away from your pet's to prevent mix-ups.
• Cleaning products - keep pets out of the room when using these and keep the toilet lid closed to keep them from drinking the water, especially if you use any bowl treatment.

 
Utility Room

• Rat and mouse poisons - keep far away from pets and remember that rodents can transfer these products to other areas that may be accessible by your pet.
• Insecticides - read labels carefully. Never use flea and tick products made for your dog on your cat.
• Glue - some glues expand greatly inside your pet and require surgical removal. One ounce of glue can expand to the size of a basketball.

 
Garage

• Antifreeze - has a sweet taste appealing to pets, but is extremely toxic.
• All automotive products - many contain methanol, a toxic alcohol.

 
Yard and Garden

• Fertilizers - dogs like the taste. Keep bags tightly sealed and out of reach.
• Grub and snail killers - avoid using them.
• Yard insecticides - dangerous if ingested in high concentrations.
• Herbicides - keep pets off the lawn until sprays are thoroughly dry.

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This list is not all inclusive. If you think your pet has ingested something harmful, take action immediately!! Contact your veterinarian, the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680, or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.  Keep these numbers, your vet's number and your after hours vet's number in an easily visible place. Make sure all family members know where these numbers are located. You can also add the Pet Poison Helpline website to your home screen on your smart phone for easy access anywhere you go.
 
It can happen to any of us. We turn our backs for just a second and the dog is eating the chocolate we left on the counter, or the cat is eating the Easter lily we just purchased. Our babies are inquisitive and innocent beings. Protect them by poison proofing your house today.

To your pet's good health!
Susan