If you suspect ingestion of a toxic substance by your pet, it’s best to take to a veterinarian ASAP (usually within 30 minutes) so that toxic material can be expelled out by inducing vomiting and further treatment can be instituted.
Preventing poisoning in pets at home is essential to ensure their safety and well-being.
Some tips to prevent poisoning:
- Keep all household cleaners and chemicals out of reach: Store these items in locked cabinets or high shelves where pets cannot access them.
- Be cautious with human foods: Certain human foods such as chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and avocado can be toxic to pets. Make sure to keep these foods out of reach of pets and dispose of any leftovers properly.
- Keep medications secure: Medications can be toxic to pets, even in small doses. Keep all medications out of reach of pets and dispose of any expired or unused medication properly.
- Use pet-friendly products: Use pet-friendly cleaners, detergents, and other household products that are safe for pets.
- Keep plants out of reach: Certain plants such as lilies, daffodils, and tulips can be toxic to pets. Make sure to keep these plants out of reach of pets.
- Dispose of waste properly: Dispose of trash, used batteries, and other hazardous waste properly to prevent pets from getting into them.
- Supervise your pet: Supervise your pet when it’s outside or in a new environment to prevent it from eating or coming into contact with toxic substances.
- Know the signs of poisoning: If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, look for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures, and difficulty breathing. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has been poisoned.
- Keep emergency numbers handy: Keep the phone number for your veterinarian and an emergency animal hospital on hand in case of poisoning.
By taking these steps, you can help prevent poisoning in your pets and keep them safe and healthy at home.
Some of the items at home to be kept away from pets:
Foods:
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Avocado
- Garlic
- Onions
- Macadamia nuts
- Peach pit
- Bones
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Chocolate
- Yeast dough
- Xylitol: An artificial sweetener or anything that has it. Usually xylitol is found in the chewing gums or sugar free candies. Some peanut butter is also known to have it.
Plants:
- Sago Palm,
- Lilies: easter and other oriental varieties
- English ivy
- Elephant ears
- Oak leaves and acorn
- Many varieties of mushrooms
- Tulip bulbs
- Mistletoe berries
- Christmas rose
- Azalea
- Geranium
- Holly leaves and berries.
Human Medicines (most of them are toxic to pets):
- Pain medicines like ibuprofen, acetaminophen (Advil, Tylenol, Aleve etc.), antidepressants, ADHD medicines, etc.
- Others: Antifreeze (ethylene glycol), mouse/rat poisons, most insecticides, house-hold cleaners and disinfectants in large amounts, some essential oils.
