Thousands of animals are accidentally poisoned
every year!
How would you know and what would you do:
.... if your pet got into some of your medicine?
.... or chewed on the leaves of a poisonous plant?
.... or drank something harmful found in your garage, garden, or home?
Although most of the calls received by the poison information center involve humans, many calls are about pets exposed to potential poisons or harmful substances. Just like people, pets can be protected to prevent accidental poisonings.
Animals do not always know when something is "bad" for them. It is up to us to provide a safe environment for them. Look closely at the places your pet goes. With a systematic approach, take time to safeguard against poisonings by keeping products that could be harmful WELL OUT OF REACH!
In the House |
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Medications
Never give your pet "human" medications unless instructed to by your veterinarian. Any medicine, even one tablet, could cause problems, whether prescription or over-the-counter. Aspirin and aspirin substitutes can be fatal to cats and dogs. Keep all medicines in secure, high places. When discarding old medications down the toilet, remember to flush several times until all the medication is gone.
Cleaning Products
Some cleaning products can cause vomiting or burn a pet's mouth. Because animals may sample any liquid if they are thirsty, remember to move or empty the mop bucket.
Household Plants
Many household plants are toxic to dogs and cats. Know the names of plants found inside and outside. A nursery or garden center can assist identifying a particular plant. Plants are usually identified on printed tags with care instructions. Save these tags for future reference. Click here for more information on plants. For assistance in identifying your plants, please print our helpful plant checklist.
Chocolate
Never give chocolate to dogs or cats. It can cause vomiting, seizures and even death. Be particularly careful around holidays like Halloween, Valentine's Day, Christmas, and Easter, when candy is sure to be plentiful.
Nicotine/Tobacco Products
Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco and patches or gum used to help curb smoking urges can cause severe symptoms, including seizures and sometimes death, if eaten by pets. Keep ashtrays, "spit cups" and all things containing even a trace of tobacco out of your pet's path.
Mothballs
One mothball is enough to be potentially toxic. Do not put mothballs anywhere that pets can get to them, including the yard.
Alkaline Batteries
Batteries contain acid that can burn and irritate your pet's mouth and stomach if chewed or eaten. They could become lodged in the throat or swallowed. If stuck in the stomach or intestines, they would have to be surgically removed. Discard old batteries promptly, where pets cannot find them.
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In the Garage |
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Antifreeze and Windshield Wiper Fluid
Automotive fluids, if swallowed, can be potentially life threatening. Many of these products have a "sweet" taste and pets will readily drink them.
Petroleum Products
Liquids like mineral spirits and gasoline, spilled or leaked on the garage floor, can burn pet's skin. Some chemicals can be absorbed through the skin, especially if it is broken or irritated.
Paint
Lead based paint, sometimes found in old buildings and homes, can cause lead poisoning if a pet eats enough all at once or over a long period of time.
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In the Garden |
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Pesticides
Products such as mole and cricket powders, chinch bug products and weed killers, for example, should be used as directed. Keep pets out of the treated areas until the product dries completely. If the product is in pellet or bait form, do not use in areas pets are likely to be. Never leave insecticide bags on the ground because it is easy for pets to tear open the bags and eat the contents.
Plants
Sticks, leaves and pine cones can cause choking or blockage to a pet's stomach and intestines. Acorns contain tannic acid and can produce severe vomiting and diarrhea. Wild mushrooms are difficult to identify and should always be considered extremely poisonous. Some mushrooms can cause liver and kidney failure.
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Pet Products |
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Flea Powders
Shampoos, heartworm medications or other pet products should be used according to directions. Some of these are only for older animals and may not be safe for puppies or kittens. Many times a pet may lick his coat or skin after a pet medication or flea product has been applied. If you have any questions about a product's safety, consult your veterinarian before it is used.
Pet Toys
Some pet toys may not be suitable for all pets. Rawhide pieces can swell and cause choking. Cow hoofs can splinter and puncture the stomach or intestines. Supervise your pet when introducing a new toy. Make sure it is sturdy enough to withstand chewing.
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If Your Pet is Poisoned |
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Keep the number of the poison information center handy. Carefully trained specialists can often assist in pet poisonings or refer you to an animal poison center if necessary.
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Find out if your veterinarian has emergency hours. If not, locate the closest animal emergency clinic. Many poisonings occur at night or on holidays when regular vet services may not be available.
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Keep a bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide, 3% solution, available at all times. Hydrogen Peroxide is used to induce vomiting, but DO NOT induce vomiting unless instructed to by a veterinarian or a professional at a poison center. In some cases this attempt can cause more than good, making the poison accident more serious.
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Do not hesitate to call the poison center for help and advice
if you think your pet has been poisoned
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