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, focusing 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 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, an emergency 24-hour hospital, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888-426-4435).
Here are some of the important things to consider and investigate:
POISONOUS PLANTS
- Many people are not aware that the majority of both houseplants and cut flowers are toxic to pets. Emergency clinics see pets poisoned by plants and flowers on a daily basis.
- While some pets never touch plants or cut flowers, others will, and you never know which pets may consume them until it’s too late.
- 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 (for example, hanging plants out of your cat’s reach) or remove them. You can Google for lists of plants toxic to cats, toxic to dogs, or non-toxic alternatives.
- Be aware that many outdoor plants can also be dangerous to pets.
PEOPLE FOOD AND TABLE SCRAPS
- The following is a list identified by the ASPCA as unsafe for pets. Be sure to 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
- The following household products are 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 fully dried on the 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 item in this list.)
- The ASPCA has additional podcasts on their website for poison control information: ASPCA 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—such as 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.
- PawZ Paw Sanitizing Wipes eliminate 99% of bacteria, viruses, and fungus.
- Lighted collars or lighting devices that work with your dog’s leash are excellent safety choices, helping you spot spoiled or dangerous food on the ground. Flexi Brand LED Lighting System integrates with your Flexi retractable leash.
- It’s highly recommended to bring a portable water bottle on every walk to provide immediate hydration if your dog picks up degraded food from the street. Messy Mutts travel water bottle is durable stainless steel with a detachable bowl.
- Consider a “no-pull” harness to help control your dog’s (or cat’s) walking path and prevent wandering to dangerous substances: Premier Easy Walk Harness .
IDENTIFYING SIGNS OF POISONING
- If you have any concerns whatsoever, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Contact your veterinarian immediately and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888-426-4435).
Symptoms may include salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, dilated pupils, twitching or tremors, breathing difficulties, shock or collapse, inflammation or swelling of the skin, hyperactivity, high temperature, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, convulsions, loss of appetite, pale or yellow gums, bloody urine or stool, lethargy, or weakness, and an unsteady gait.
Keeping our pets safe from poisoning is one of the most important things we can do for their health. Also, note that while some items pets ingest may not be poisonous, they can still cause life-threatening blockages. If any toys are ripped open, dispose of them immediately to prevent ingestion of stuffing. 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 playtime, 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!