Pet Poison Prevention Month: What Rockvi …
For Pet Poison Prevention Month, Pet Dominion wants to be sure that our favorite pet parents are equipped with knowledge of common pet toxins and pet poisoning symptoms. Do you know what pets should avoid and what to do should you experience an exposure?
Common Pet Toxins
Pets are pretty curious, and they often explore their surroundings with their mouths. This can put them at risk of encountering potentially harmful substances in their daily environment.
Protecting your pets from common pet toxins starts with knowing what things could pose a danger. Some of the top pet poisons to look out for include:
- Chocolate
- Rodenticides
- Over the counter medications like Tylenol, anti-inflammatories, and vitamins
- Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and some foods)
- Grapes and raisins
- Prescription medications, especially antidepressants and stimulant medications
- Essential oils and household cleaners
- Lilies (cats)
- Flea and tick medications for dogs (cats)
Other common pet toxins include nicotine, marijuana, chocolate, recreational drugs, and overdoses of pet medications.
In particular, spring pet dangers include items like fertilizers, slug baits, flower bulbs, household cleaners, and weed killers
Tips to Prevent Pet Poisoning
It may be impossible to protect your pet from every potential hazard, proactive action can significantly reduce the risk of pet poison exposure.
- Store with care — Keep foods, medications, and chemicals out of reach from curious pets. Be sure doors and lids are pet proof as well.
- Check labels — Check for toxic ingredients like xylitol in food, medications, or treats. This includes any human food that you might share with your pet, either intentionally or accidentally.
- Keep trash secure — Make sure garbage cans are pet-proof to prevent access to harmful items. Keeping them behind a closed door is often safest.
- Know your plants — When bringing plants into your home, make sure to identify what they are and confirm that they’re non-toxic to pets.
- Educate houseguests — Remind visitors to store items like coats, purses, or luggage containing potential toxins out of your pet’s reach. Items like medications, vapes, and sugar-free gum can pose a significant threat.
- Use essential oils with caution — Refrain from applying essential oils to your pet and ensure proper ventilation when using them.
- Clean carefully — Be sure cleaning agents and other chemicals dry completely before letting your pet access the area. When possible choose non-toxic alternatives for household and yard products.
- Don’t medicate on your own — Never give your pet human medications without asking us first! Many of our medications are harmful or dosed differently in our pet patients.
What to Do If Your Pet Is Poisoned
If you suspect your pet has been exposed to a toxin, act fast. Signs of poisoning in pets are not always obvious until it is too late.
Contact us immediately or reach out to resources like the ASPCA Pet Poison Control or Pet Poison Helpline. These services can connect you with veterinary toxicology experts who can provide guidance on whether an exposure requires immediate treatment.
Poison prevention is a key part of responsible pet care. Use Pet Poison Prevention Month this March as an opportunity to evaluate your home and routines and ensure a safer environment for your furry friends.
If you have questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out— our staff is here to help!