With Easter right around the corner and the 50th anniversary of Poison Prevention Week coming even sooner, it’s a good time to remember that many substances that aren’t necessarily toxic to us are toxic to our pets. Today we have some great tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association(AVMA) reminding pet owners that accidental poisonings are a common problem.
Along with the video above, the AVMA has an online brochure to help you recognize dangers to your cat in your home. (And which room is the most dangerous to your pets in your home? Your bathroom, thanks to medications and cleaning supplies.)
Some common dangers you may have in your home include:
- prescription drugs
- some over-the-counter medicines, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen
- Houseplants are common household hazards for pets, including Cycad (Sago Palm), philodendron, dieffenbachia and lilies (a special danger during the Easter season!), which are extremely poisonous for cats. For a complete list, visit www.avma.org.
- Xylitol, a common artificial sweetener in pudding, sugarless chewing gum and baked items, is very poisonous to dogs and can result in death.
- Raisins and grapes are toxic to dogs and cats. While researchers haven’t determined the cause of this toxicity, for some reason raisins seem to be far more likely to result in a serious poisoning.
- Birds are sensitive to aerosol sprays, like hair spray or fragrances, and also avocados.
- Chocolate can make a cat or dog very ill. The more concentrated the cocoa, for example in baking chocolate, the more dangerous it is for pets.
- Onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and coffee grounds are toxic to dogs and cats.
- Cleaning products, automotive chemicals, like antifreeze, batteries, pennies, moth balls and glue all present issues for pets. Keep these products in close cabinets or high off the ground.
If you suspect that your pet has gotten into a poison, immediately call your veterinarian, your local emergency veterinary clinic or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
For more information:
- visit www.avma.org
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