We want to keep them safe, happy, healthy and loved!
Many common household items, plants and foods can pose serious health risks to our furry family members, and understanding these dangers and taking preventative measures can help ensure they remain happy and healthy.
March is Pet Poison Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the potential harmful threats that lurk in our homes, yards and outdoor environments.
Medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antidepressants and blood pressure medications can be fatal to pets. These should always be stored in cabinets or drawers that pets cannot get into. Household cleaners, including bleach, disinfectants and laundry detergents can cause severe stomach distress, breathing issues or chemical burns. It’s really important to follow label instructions and keep these products locked up.
Cats love to explore and try to open cabinets and get in spaces where cleaning supplies are stored (at least mine do), so perhaps think about “babyproofing” your home with products that make your cabinets unable to be opened by paws!
Certain human foods can pose a serious threat. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, alcohol, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and candy) and caffeine are particularly dangerous. Even something as simple as meats we get at the deli or that delicious rotisserie chicken can be a risk, as we don’t know what spices or seasonings have been added. It’s hard to say no to those puppy dog eyes or the begging meow, but we are here to Protect Our Pets (POP).
Chemicals to kill rodents and bugs, including rat poison, ant baits and slug bait, can be lethal if ingested. Even if you put them in what seems to be inaccessible areas, our curious pets can still find a way to get to them. When buying these items, read the labels and make sure they are pet-friendly.
We all love our houseplants, but many of them such as lilies, aloe vera, philodendrons and sago palms, can also be toxic. There are many lists available online of foods, chemicals and plants that are harmful to our little fur babies that we may not even be aware of, so please do some research. (I have actually just gone the safe route with only fake plants and flowers in my home.)
Just as with our indoor plants, some outdoor plants such as oleander, azaleas, foxglove and mushrooms can be highly toxic. Being aware of what’s growing in the yard and removing hazardous plants can reduce risks. Cocoa mulch, which contains theobromine (the same toxin found in chocolate) can be dangerous for dogs.
Standing water in puddles, birdbaths and grass can harbor bacteria and parasites, including leptospirosis, which can cause serious illness. We also have to remember that we live in the high desert of Arizona and in the middle of our beautiful Prescott National Forest. Outdoor wildlife such as snakes, poisonous toads and predatory birds may pose a poisoning threat, but we also have to be aware of the other dangers that lurk out there (beyond the poisonous critters), that can harm our pets, like coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, javalena and those large birds that can swoop down and carry away our smaller animals. Please supervise your pets while they are outside to prevent unwanted encounters with dangerous animals. We have all seen the videos online of people who have let their pets out unsupervised only to see it end in tragedy.
Despite taking precautions, accidents do happen. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, as hard as it is, you must remain calm. Try to identify the toxin and the amount consumed. This can help veterinary professionals determine the best course of action. Contacting a veterinarian or a poison control hotline for immediate guidance is essential. Inducing vomiting should only be done if explicitly instructed by a professional, as some substances can cause more harm if regurgitated.
Keep emergency contact information, including your veterinarian’s number and the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661), readily available. This can be lifesaving.
Like we said above, March is Pet Poison Prevention Month, and it does serve as a reminder of the dangers that can threaten our furry companions, so we need to remain proactive and informed. By pet-proofing our homes and yards and acting quickly in emergencies, we can prevent unnecessary suffering and keep our pets safe.
Awareness and proactive measures go a long way in ensuring that our beloved animals lead long, healthy and happy lives, and that’s really the ultimate goal, right? We want to keep them safe, happy, healthy and loved! QCBN
By Loree Walden
Loree Walden is the marketing manager for Yavapai Humane Society.
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