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Pet Poisoning

Pets and poison

Toad toxicity

Catnip

Pets and Poison

Dog photoDogs and cats are by far the most common companion animals owned, and as a result, make up the majority of pet poisonings. Pets have to be watched like a two year old child, they get into things that may not be good for them. Medications, plants, foods, cleaning supplies and other toxic substances must be kept away from pets to avoid accidental poisonings.



Below is a list of some of the most common toxic substances that may poison a pet.

 Medications  Foods/ Plants  Products
 Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, other pain relievers  Onions, Garlic  Antifreeze 
 Prescription drugs  Outdoor Mushrooms  Rat poison
 Veterinary drugs   Plants  Ant traps /Pesticides
 Vitamins with Iron  Chocolate    Herbicides/Fertilizer
     Cleaning supplies
     Personal Care products

Tips for preventing pet poisoning Cat Photo

  • Antifreeze tastes and smells sweet and even small amounts can be fatal. Always clean up spills of all automobile supplies. Discard empty containers after use.
  • Keep household cleaning supplies, herbicides, pesticides, personal care products, etc, away from pets in cupboards or high shelves. Do not leave liquids in buckets or bowls that pets may drink from.
  • Keep medications out of reach in a cupboard or cabinet. Child-resistant caps can easily be chewed off by a playful pet. Pick up any pills dropped on the floor quickly, as pets often wait around for things to drop.
  • Many pets will chew on plants. Cats will climb up hard to reach spots to chew on them. Identify the plants in your home and yard. Find out if they are poisonous. You should want to remove or make inaccessible any dangerous plants.
  • Ant traps and rat poisons are attractive to pets. Place these products where the pet cannot get to them. Be sure and pick them up and dispose of them when done using.
  • Pets often get into trouble because they have a strong urge to chew, especially when they are young. Give them plenty of safe, non-toxic pet chews and toys to occupy them and satisfy their taste for chewing.
  • Do not give pets medications meant for humans. Medicines that are safe for humans may have adverse effects on pets, and the doses are not the same.  If your pet is sick, consult with a veterinarian about which medications are safe to use.
  • Do not give chocolate as a treat to your pet. Chocolate may be toxic to animals. Chocolate goodies are a favorite around the holidays causing an increase in pet poisonings.
  • Confine your pet in a crate or small pet proof area while you are not home. Most poisonings occur when the pet is not supervised.

What to do if you suspect your pet has been poisoned

  • Try to identify the toxic substance. Look for traces in or around the mouth. Empty bottles or containers may be a clue. Check for distinctive odors.
  • If the animal vomits, note carefully the appearance of the vomitus. If there are pill or plant fragments, put them in a plastic baggy for identification.
  • Try to estimate the amount that the pet has eaten. Some things are only toxic in large doses.
  • Note any symptoms that your pet may be having.
  • Call your veterinarian
  • Do not induce vomiting unless advised to do so by your veterinarian.

    For more information visit the Animal Poison Control Center
    www.apcc.aspca.org or contact them by phone at 1-888-426-4435.

 

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