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Pet Poisons You Already Have in Your Home or Apartment

September 1, 2019

No pet owner intentionally brings something toxic into their home. With that being said, almost every pet parent has a few potential poisons in their home right now! The trick is being aware so that you can keep your animal friend safe. Learn more here from a Washington DC veterinarian.

Medication

All sorts of human medications—as well as some that can be prescribed to pets—can harm our animal friends. Various prescription drugs, aspirin, antidepressants, cough syrup… the list goes on and on. Store human medicines in a closed cabinet where pets can’t reach, and make sure to dose your pet’s own medications correctly. If you’re unsure about your pet’s dose amount, contact your vet.

Dangerous Foods

Of course, many human foods aren’t safe for pets. Harmful foods for pets include grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, chives, leeks, scallions, shallots, chocolate, candy, gum, macadamia nuts, avocado, and salt. Alcohol is also extremely dangerous for pets. It affects cats and dogs just like it affects us, except that it causes poisoning in very small doses. Keep your animal friend away!

Cleaning Supplies

Pets aren’t especially likely to seek out cleaning supplies to ingest, but it’s important to be cautious. Almost any household cleaning product—everything from disinfectants and air fresheners to bleach and furniture polish—can harm an animal! Store these products carefully in a locked supply closet, and remember to move pets to another room if you’re cleaning with strong chemicals.

Pesticides, Rodenticides, and Fertilizers

It goes without saying that pets should never ingest pesticides, rodenticides, or fertilizer products. If you use these items in or around your home, make sure your pet can’t get near them. Keep pets indoors when spraying chemicals outside, and place indoor pesticide products with extreme caution. Store these products safely where pets can’t reach.

Toxic Plant Life

There is a large list of toxic plants and flowers. Some common ones include lilies, elephant ear, dieffenbachia, various aloe plants, chrysanthemums, daffodils, tulips rhododendron (also called azalea), philodendron, the sago palm, oleander, and ivy, among many others. Check your living space for dangerous plants and flowers, and ask your vet what kind of toxic plant life is most common where you live so that you can take steps to avoid it.

Does your animal companion need a veterinary checkup? We’re here to help. Call your Washington DC veterinary clinic today to set up an appointment.

Poison Prevention Week starts March 20th. This is a very important topic for anyone with pets. There are over 232,000 cases of pet poisonings in the US every year! Our furry friends don't know what is and isn't safe for them, so you'll need to take some precautions to keep your beloved pet safe. A Washington DC vet lists some ways to prevent pet poisoning in this article. Keep Cabinets Locked Many toxic chemicals and household products are stored in cabinets, often underneath sinks. Keeping these locked is a simple step that can prevent tragedy. Keep in mind that your four-legged friend doesn't have to actually eat or drink these substances. Because most animals lick themselves clean, they only need to walk through it or get it spilled on their fur to ingest it. Choose Non-Toxic Plants Plants are one of the most common culprits when it comes to pet poisoning. While there are many that are dangerous to all pets, others are more toxic to some animals than to others. For instance, lilies are extremely dangerous to cats, while Sago palms are a huge risk for dogs. Check the ASPCA site here for a list of safe and unsafe plants. Know The Warning Signs Although the signs of poison ingestion can vary, depending on the pet and the type and amount of substance involved, there are some common red flags to look for. These include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, agitation, restlessness, trembling, collapse, unusual vocalizations, and diarrhea. Pale gums are also a warning sign, as is a rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing. Cats may withdraw, while dogs may pace or whimper. It’s worth noting that while these things can be indicative of many medical issues, they should always constitute a call to the vet. Understand The Dangers It's also important to know what is and isn't poisonous. Some things, such as household chemicals, antifreeze, and rodenticides, are well-known. Others? Not so much. For instance, many people don’t know that a single grape or raisin can be extremely dangerous to dogs. Medication is also a common source of poisoning. Ask your vet for more information. Training This one applies more to dogs, of course. However, consider teaching Fido to Leave It. This simple command could help prevent tragedy! Do you have questions about your pet's health or safety? Contact us, your Washington DC animal clinic, today!

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