March is National Poison Prevention Month and we want to take this opportunity to provide some important guidelines to help you protect your pets from the dangers of poisoning. If you suspect that your pet has been exposed to poison, contact us immediately!
If this happens after hours, click here for after-hours/emergency resources and get help quickly.
PET POISONS
It's a known fact that pet poisons exist inside and outside of every home. The first step is to educate yourself about which items are dangerous. Then you can take steps to properly store hazardous items safely away from pets. It is also important to always walk your pets on a leash so that you can securely control where they go and keep them from getting into outdoor poisons.
Following are 8 categories with lists of common household items that can be poisonous to your pet.
- Avocados
- Chocolate, Coffee and Tea (caffeine)
- Alcohol and Hops
- Grapes/Raisins and Cherries
- Xylitol Sweetener (sometimes used in peanut butter)
- Baking Soda
- Salt and Bouillon Cubes
- Nutmeg
- Yeast Dough
- Onions, Garlic, and Chives
- Macadamia Nuts
- All Prescription and Over-the-counter Drugs
- Vitamins/Supplements
- Cough Drops
- Thermometers
- Soap/Shampoo/Conditioner
- Lotions/Cosmetics/Sunscreen
- Toothpaste and Mouthwash
- Hand Sanitizer
- Deodorant
- Bath Salts
- Essential Oils
- Candles
- Perfume/Air Fresheners/Potpourri
- Bleach/Laundry Detergents
- Dryer Sheets/Fabric Softeners
- Anti-static Sprays
- Dishwashing Products
- Carpet and Hard Surface/Window Cleaners
- Toilet and Tile Cleaners
- Drain Openers
- Oven Cleaner
- Steel Wool Scrubbers
- Disinfectant Wipes
- Ant or Roach Traps
- House Plants
- Cut Flowers
- Lilies and Lily Pollen
- Certain Garden Flowers, Shrubs, and even Vegetable Plants
- Mushrooms, Mold, and Blue-green Algae
- Animal Feces
- Stinging Insects
- Birdseed and Suet
- Fertilizer
- Insecticides/Pesticides/Fungicides
- Insect Repellent
- Slug and Snail Bait
- Ice Melt
- Torch Fuel
- Pool and Pond Chemicals
- Flea and Tick Products
- Pet Medications
- Dewormers
- Medicated Horse/Cattle Feeds
- Fly Repellant
- Motor Oil
- Antifreeze
- Transmission/Brake Fluid
- Gasoline
- Wiper Fluid
- Car Wax/Polish
- Carbon Monoxide
- Batteries
- Paints/Art Supplies
- Glues
- Jewelry Polish
- Glow Items, and Fireworks
- Silica Gel
- Kitty Litter
- Lighter Fluid
- Spoiled Food/Garbage
- Tobacco and Vape Products
SIGNS OF POISONING
Pets who have been poisoned may display mild or severe symptoms, depending on the type of poison and the level of exposure. Some of the most common signs of poisoning include vomiting and/or diarrhea, drooling, loss of appetite, excessive thirst or urination, weakness or lethargy, restlessness, tremors, seizures, pale gums, coughing or vomiting blood, blood in stool, labored breathing, or racing heart rate.
If your pet exhibits one or more of these symptoms, or you suspect your pet has been exposed to a poison, get immediate medical attention for them!
If you have any questions about protection your pets from poisoning, call us or speak to us at your next appointment.
336-644-1522