Our pets count on us to keep them safe, and they are so worth the effort! National Poison Prevention Week began in 1961, observed every year the third week in March, and it focused on poison prevention for ourselves and our families. National Animal Poison Prevention Week became a natural extension of this observance, also occurring the third week in March, to protect our furry family members (and farm animals, too).
Spring is such a great time to think about the danger of poisonous substances since each spring there is a prevalence of pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides and plants in our pets’ outdoor environments. It’s also the perfect time to look around your home, both indoors and out, to identify the many potential dangers that can affect your beloved pets.
If you observe that your pet has ingested any potentially poisonous foods or substances, immediately call your vet, emergency 24 hour hospital, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888)-426-4435.
Here are a some of the important things to consider and investigate:
POISONOUS PLANTS
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Many people are not aware that the majority of both house plants and cut flowers are toxic to pets. Emergency clinics see pets poisoned by plants and flowers on a daily basis.
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While some pets never touch plants or cut flowers, others will, and you never know which pets may consume them until after the fact.
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The safest thing to do is to carefully identify every plant and cut flower in your home, and either keep toxic plants and flowers completely out of reach (hanging your plants for cat safety works great) or rehome your poisonous plants. You can google to find house plants toxic to cats as well as house plants toxic to dogs. To find pet-safe plants, google non toxic house plants for pets.
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Be aware that many of the plants growing outdoors are also dangerous for your pets.
PEOPLE FOOD AND TABLE SCRAPS
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The following is a list identified by the ASPCA. Please do further research on each to keep your furry friends safe.
alcohol, yeast dough, chocolate, coffee, caffeine, avocados, citrus, grapes and raisins, onion, garlic, chives, milk and dairy, macadamia nuts, nuts in general, coconut and coconut oil, raw and undercooked meat, undercooked eggs, undercooked bones, xylitol sweetener, salt, and salty foods
POISONOUS HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS
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The following household products have also been identified by the ASPCA as posing a potentially serious danger to your pets:
bleach, carpet fresheners, carpet shampoos, essential oils, fabric softener sheets, Febreze, grout, scented litter (primarily if a cat has underlying respiratory issues), Swiffer Wet Jet fluid (unless dry on floor), toilet cleaning tablets, bar soaps, human breath mints, cigarettes and nicotine patches, grapeseed oil, mosquito repellents, sorbitol, topical creams and ointments, and all human medications. (Check the ASPCA Animal Poison Control page for a more detailed description of each of the items in this list.)
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The ASPCA also has podcasts on their website that you can listen to for additional poison control information. Here is the ASPCA Animal Poison Control link: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
HAZARDS ON THE STREET -
Keep a sharp eye out for any substances or items your pet can pick up off the street and consume, or may lick off paws, including rock salt, anti-freeze, rodenticides, chemicals, glass shards, rotten or spoiled food, etc. It’s a great idea to clean paws after every outdoor walk. There are great products to protect your dog from harm when walked, available on our website or in our stores:
– PawZ SANIPAW Paw Sanitizing Wipes. These eliminate 99% of bacteria, viruses, and fungus.
https://petmarketnyc.com/products/pawz-paw-sanitizing-wipes
– Lighted collars or lighting devices that work with your dog’s leash are an excellent safety choice, and may help you to see spoiled or dangerous food on the ground before your pup ingests.
Flexi Brand LED Lighting System integrates with your Flexi retractable leash.
https://petmarketnyc.com/products/flexi-led-lighting-system-black
– It’s highly recommended to bring a portable water bottle on every walk, not only for hydration but to provide immediate hydration if your dog does pick up degraded food from the street.
Messy Mutts travel water bottles are durable stainless steel and include a detachable bowl.
https://petmarketnyc.com/products/messy-mutts-travel-water-bottle-red-24oz
– Consider a “no-pull” harness. These will help control your dog’s (or cat’s) walking path and prevent wandering to undesirable or dangerous substances or discarded food.
One reliable brand is the Premier Easy Walk Harness.
https://petmarketnyc.com/products/premier-easy-walk-harness-red-lg
IDENTIFYING SIGNS OF POISONING
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Here are some of the signs to look for in your pets, but if you have any concerns whatsoever, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Contact your veterinarian immediately and contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888)-426-4435.
salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, dilated pupils, twitching or tremors, breathing difficulties, shock or collapse, inflammation or swelling of the skin, hyperactivity, high temperature and high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, convulsions, loss of appetite, pale or yellow gums, bloody urine or bloody stool, lethargy or weakness, unsteady gait
Keeping our pets safe from poisoning is one of the most important things we can do for their health. Also keep in mind that while many things that pets ingest may not be poisonous, some can also cause life-threatening blockages. If any of your pets’ toys have ripped open, immediately dispose of those toys so that stuffing is not ingested. Dogs have been known to consume socks, and cats will often consume small objects like stretchy hair ties, pen caps, rubber bands, string, and more. Protecting our pets takes more than play time, quality food, and annual vet visits. Let’s keep them safe by preventing consumption of substances, foods, and materials that pose serious risks. And now that they’re safe, it’s time to pet, love, and spoil them!