March is Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month, a time to reflect on how we can better protect our furry companions from harmful substances. Whether inside your home, in your yard, or on your plate, potential toxins could pose severe risks to your pet’s health. Knowing what to look out for can save your pet from injury, illness, or worse. Protecting your pets from toxins is an essential part of being a responsible pet owner. Below are common toxins found in foods, plants, and household products that every pet parent should know about and avoid.
Dangerous Foods to Avoid
Sharing your food with your pets may feel like a loving gesture, but not all human foods are safe for them. Some common foods that can harm your pet are onions, garlic, and chives. In solid or powdered forms, they can cause hemolytic anemia, which damages red blood cells. Grapes and raisins are equally as dangerous and can cause kidney failure. Chocolate, coffee and caffeine contain methylxanthines, which can lead to severe digestive and neurological issues. Unbaked yeast dough can expand in your pet’s stomach, causing bloating and even ruptures. Macadamia nuts, alcohol, and an excess of salt also have serious effects on pets that can seriously affect your pet’s health. Avocados are also not good, and milk and dairy products are known to cause gastronomic upset since most pets are lactose intolerant.
If you notice your pet exhibiting symptoms of vomiting, fever, tremors, diarrhea, and/or lethargy, you must contact your vet for their professional opinion. Acting quickly may save your pet’s life if something harmful is ingested.
Toxic Plants to Look Out for
Pets often explore their environment with their mouths, making plants a potential hazard. Toxic plants can cause symptoms ranging from mild irritation to severe organ damage. Common dangerous outdoor plants include water hemlock, nightshades, oleander, and yew. Symptoms of ingestion can range from drooling and vomiting to seizures and cardiac failure. If ingested, popular houseplants like philodendrons, lilies, poinsettias, and caladium can cause mouth inflammation, vomiting, and diarrhea. Lilies, in particular, are highly toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure. Always research plant safety before adding new greenery to your home or garden, or consider getting artificial plants.
Chemical Hazards to Avoid
Household items and products we use daily can also pose serious risks. Some of the most common offenders include cocoa mulch, which is often used in gardens. This mulch contains theobromine, which can cause vomiting, hyperactivity, tremors, and seizures. Citrus oils found in candles, air fresheners, and insect repellents can cause drooling, tremors, and even death in pets when ingested. Avoid using chemical fragrances in the home and opt for natural pet-friendly alternatives. DEET is a common insect-repellent ingredient that can lead to vomiting, seizures, and skin irritation in pets. Be sure to check the labels of your insect repellants before spraying them. Household cleaners and products like bleach, drain cleaners, and toilet bowl cleaners contain acids and alkalis that can cause severe burns, drooling, and even organ damage if ingested. Avoid using mothballs for your clothing as these contain naphthalene and dichlorobenzene, which can damage a pet’s liver, kidneys, and brain, potentially leading to seizures or death.
Some other apparent chemicals to avoid are petroleum products like motor oil, paint thinner, and lighter fluid, as they can result in vomiting, respiratory failure, and seizures. Additionally, chemicals like antifreeze are also deadly as they contain ethylene glycol, where even a tiny amount can cause acute kidney failure and death. Lastly, human medications aren’t broken down the same in our pets. Painkillers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen are toxic to pets and can cause vomiting, ulcers, and severe organ damage. Be sure to keep medicine cabinets locked and away from the reach of pets.
What to Do in Case of Poisoning
If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance, be sure to note the amount and time of ingestion if you know. Recording what and how much of the substance your pet ate and when it occurred can help the veterinarian find the correct solution quickly. Be sure to contact a veterinarian immediately for professional advice so your pet can receive treatment as soon as possible. Lastly, call a Poison Control Center: The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 is available for emergencies.
Prevention is Key
The best way to protect your pet from toxins is to prevent them from poisoning. Be sure to pet-proof your home and store food, cleaning supplies, and medications out of reach. By knowing the signs of poisoning and common symptoms, you can be sure to act quickly to save your pet. Lastly, keep an eye on your pets and supervise them to prevent them from eating unknown plants or substances indoors and outdoors.
Protecting your pets from toxins requires pet owners to be knowledgeable and aware of toxic substances and symptoms of poisoning. By staying informed and proactive, you can create a safer environment for your pets and reduce their risk of exposure to harmful toxins.
Don’t hesitate to contact VIP Pets for your professional pet care needs.