Poison prevention tips.
Accidental poisoning of a pet can happen quickly, sometimes in a matter of seconds. It can be far easier (and lots less stressful) to take preventative measures so your pet is exposed to fewer risks.
*Keep medicine, household cleaners, pesticides and automotive products (anti-freeze is tasty and deadly) locked up or stored out of the reach of pets and children.
*Before using any household or yard product, always read the label first and follow instructions exactly for safe use, storage and disposal.
* Never give any medication or supplement to your pet without first consulting your veterinarian. What’s helpful to humans can be dangerous or even deadly to pets.
* Always read the label before using any flea control product on or around your pet. For example, flea products labeled “For dogs only” can cause serious or life-threatening illness if used on cats.
Potentially dangerous plants.
Many plants and trees can be harmful to pets if ingested.
Cardio toxic plants that affect the heart include lily of the valley, oleander, rhodendron, azalea, yew, foxglove and kalanchoe.
Plants that can cause kidney failure include rhubarb leaves and shamrock; and especially lilies in cats.
Plants that can cause liver failure include sago palms, cycad palms and some species of mushrooms.
Plants that can cause multiple effects include corn plant, ribbon plant and other Dracaena species, which can cause abdominal pain, vomiting (occasionally tinged with blood), depression, weakness, drooling, and loss of appetite, in coordination, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing and elevated heart rate. Castor beans ( Ricinus species) can cause renal failure, convulsions and death.
Put together a poison safety kit.
Experts suggest the following items be kept in a pet safety kit in case of emergencies.
*Fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide 3% (USP)
*Can of soft dog or cat food as appropriate.
*Turkey baster or large bulb syringe to administer hydrogen peroxide.
*Saline eye solution to flush out eye contaminants
*Artificial tear gel to lubricate eyes after flushing
*Mild grease cutting dish washing liquid of the animal after skin contamination
*Rubber gloves
*Tweezers to remove stingers
*Muzzle (an excited pet may harm you)
*Pet carrier
Common household hazards.
It may surprise you how many substances found in and around your home can be dangerous to your pet.
Kitchen/Bathroom
Trash: Coffee grounds contain caffeine, which can cause increased heart rate, hyperactivity, shaking or seizures.
Foods: Grapes and raisins can cause acute renal failure and possibly death in dogs. Some dogs will start with throwing up and drink a lot of water, then develop diarrhea, renal failure or death. Other potentially harmful foods include chocolate, yeast dough, avocado, alcoholic beverages, tea, macadamia nuts, onions, salt, fatty foods and foods containing large amounts of the sweetener xylitol.
Painkillers & medications: Can be deadly to pets. Never give your pet medication of any kind unless directed to do so by a veterinarian.
Soaps, detergents & cleaners: Can cause upset stomach, drooling, vomiting or diarrhea. Bleaches can cause severe oral burns and irritation to the respiratory tract.
Bedroom/Living room
Mothballs: Can cause vomiting, lethargy, seizures, hemolytic anemia and even death. Ingestion of even one mothball in a small dog can cause serious signs.
Batteries: Can cause oral ulcers, burns, perforation or blockage of the gastrointestinal tract.
Garage/Yard
Antifreeze: Can be fatal to dog and cats, even in very small amounts.
Gasoline: Can irritate skin and mucous membranes. Exposure can lead to central nervous system depression, vomiting, drooling, diarrhea and aspiration.
Insecticides & herbicides: Many of these chemicals can sicken or kill pets. Always follow label directions, keep pet away from area of application for time recommended.
Glues & adhesives: Can cause upset stomach. Some types of expanding glues, if ingested, may require surgery to remove obstruction and prevent death.