PETS and POISONS

 

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Common Household Items Can Be Poisonous To Pets


If your pet has come into contact with something which could be a potential toxin, or if you suspect that your pet has ingested something toxic, call your Veterinarian or the ANIMAL POISON CONTROL CENTER, 1-888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435) immediately! 

Website aspca.org

Thousands of dogs and cats needlessly suffer and many die each year by accidental ingestion of household poisons, including pesticides, popular houseplants, medications and common foods.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the only animal poison control center in North America, offers advice to pet owners about the many household products that can be dangerous and even deadly to their four-legged family member.  

Below are examples of dangerous items that may be present in your home: 

Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet:

- Alcoholic beverages
- Avocado
- Chocolate (all forms)
- Coffee (all forms)
- Fatty foods
- Macadamia nuts
- Moldy or spoiled foods
- Onions, onion powder
- Raisins and grapes
- Salt
- Yeast dough
- Garlic
- Products sweetened with xylitol 

- pits/seeds from fruit*


Warnings:   

As few as 7 grapes or raisins can cause renal failure in dogs! 

Chocolate and cocoa contain a deadly ingredient called Theobromine which is toxic and can be fatal to dogs!

Medications:

Common examples of human medications that can be potentially lethal to pets, even in small doses:

- Pain killers
- Cold medicines
- Anti-cancer drugs
- Antidepressants
- Vitamins
- Diet Pills

Household Products:  

-mothballs

-batteries                   

-cigarettes               

-potpourri oils 

-fabric softener sheets

-hand/foot warmers

-homemade play dough 

-Post-1982 pennies (due to high concentration of zinc)

-mouthwash*

-laundry detergents* 

-bleach*

-dishwashing detergent*

 

Cold Weather Hazards: 

- Antifreeze
- Ice melting products 

Be alert for antifreeze/coolant leaking from your vehicle. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste and ingesting just a small amount can cause an animal's death.  Consider using animal-friendly products that use propylene glycol rather than those containing ethylene glycol.


Warm Weather Hazards:

- Animal toxins—toads, insects, spiders, snakes and scorpions
- Blue-green algae in ponds
- Citronella candles
- Cocoa mulch
- Compost piles Fertilizers
- Flea products
- Outdoor plants and plant bulbs
- Swimming-pool treatment supplies
- Fly baits containing methomyl
- Slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde

Make sure your pets do not go on lawns or in gardens treated with fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides until they have dried completely. Cocoa mulch used in gardens has a chocolate odor that attracts animals.  Always store such products in areas that are inaccessible to your pets. If you are uncertain about the usage of any product, ask the manufacturer and/or your veterinarian for instructions. 

Pest Control Products:  When using rat, mouse, snail or slug baits, or ant or roach traps, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your pet. Some bait contains sweet smelling inert ingredients, such as jelly, peanut butter or sugar that can attract your pets.

Holiday Hazards:

- Christmas tree water (may contain fertilizers and bacteria, which, if ingested, can upset the stomach.
- Electrical cords
- Ribbons or tinsel (can become lodged in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction—most often      occurs with kittens!)
- Glass ornaments

Plants dangerous to pets:

-Azalea

-Oleander 

-Sago palm

-Mistletoe

-Holly 

-Yew plant material

-Easter lily

-Day lily

-Tiger lily

-some other lily species

-devil's ivy*

-ferns* 

-aloe*

Pet Products: 

Products for use only on dogs, should never be used on cats.

Product for use only on cats, should never be used on dogs.

Read all of the information on the label before using a product on your pet or in your home.  


Other Websites to Check Out for Pet Hazards: 

ThePetCenter.com

Petalia.com


Non-toxic Substances for Dogs and Cats
  

The following substances are considered to be non-toxic, although they may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals:

 -Water-based paints
- Toilet bowl water
- Silica gel
- Poinsettia
- Cat litter
- Glue traps
- Glow jewelry