This week is national poison prevention week, for both humans and animals. Accidental animal poisoning can happen for many reasons. Sometimes its your goofy lab chewing up a bottle of Rimadyl, or maybe your excited puppy ate the chocolate brownies on the counter, or your cat wanted a taste of the flowers someone brought you as a gift, not knowing they were toxic. Whatever the motivation is for our furry friends, there are many items around our house, garage, and yard that can be toxic to our pets. It is therefore important to be aware of the things pets get into. When possible, choose pet safe chemicals for home use (snail bate, rat bait, antifreeze, etc). Keep medications and hazardous products behind dog proof cupboards. Keep harmful foods away and don't feed your dog raisins from your trail mix.
To help, I have made this easy to read graphic:
For dogs, the top 10 reasons to call the Pet Poison Hotline are:
Chocolate
Mouse and Rat Poisons (rodenticides)
Anti-inflammatory medications
Xylitol (sugar-free gum & more)
Grapes & Raisins
Antidepressant Medications
Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol)
Vitamin D Overdose
Stimulant Medications (e.g., for ADD/ADHD)
Fertilizers
While there is some overlap between dogs & cats, they are not the same.
For cats, the top 10 reasons to call the Pet Poison Hotline are:
Lilies (Lilium species) *For more information on Lily toxicity click here*
Spot-on flea/tick medication for dogs
Household Cleaners
Antidepressant Medications
Essential Oils
Anti-inflammatory Medications
Mouse & Rat Poisons (rodenticides)
Stimulant Medications (e.g., for ADD/ADHD)
Onions & Garlic
Vitamin D Overdose
If you find that your pet has ingested something toxic, call your veterinarian right away. Time is very important in toxicities. Sometimes vomiting is important, sometimes charcoal or fluids, and sometimes there is an antidote. The treatment for each toxicity is different, which is why seeking professional help is so important. You can also contact the Pet Poison Hotline or ASPCA Poison Control Directly (for a fee).
if you made it all the way to the end, you may have noticed a little hint about what new announcement will be made next month...
Comments