Animal Poison Prevention: Poisons and Your Pet

Poisonous substances can be found in our homes, offices and even outdoors. When ingested, many substances — such as certain plants, household products and foods — can cause health problems in humans. But did you know poisons can also affect your pet?

Hidden Pet Poisons in the Home

Many common products and substances are poisonous to animals. Among the items to keep away from your pet are:

• Garden products, such as pesticides
• Household cleaners
• Human medications
• Plants that they may eat
• Some human foods, such as raisins and chocolate (these are common dog poisons).

The good news is that there are ways to keep your pets poison-free and healthy. Furthermore, treatment centers — such as the animal poison center and dog poison control center — can give you the information you need if an accident does occur.

Poisons and Your Pet: How Can You Keep Your Pet Safe?

In order to prevent your pet from being poisoned, it's important to take the right preventative steps. Keep your pet safe with these tips:

• Always double check what medication you're giving your pet. Pet owners can easily mistake their own medication for that of their pet, which can lead to poisoning.
• Don't leave batteries lying around your home or office. This can cause dog poisoning, since many dogs like to chew on batteries.
• Keep car products, such as antifreeze and windshield washer fluid, away from your pets. Store these items in a high place and be sure they are tightly sealed.
• Keep your pets off the lawn after spraying pesticides and other chemicals. Wait until these chemicals have dried before letting your pets on the grass.

These animal poison prevention steps can help keep your pets happy and healthy.

A Cat or Dog Poison Emergency: What to Do

In the event that your pet is exposed to a poison, seek immediate help. Call your local Animal Poison Center at (888) 426-4435. You can also contact your veterinarian or local animal hospital.

The Animal Poison Center can help you determine what to do and how to help your pet. When you call, be prepared to give your pet's:

• Age
• Breed
• Sex
• Symptoms
• Weight.

If possible, you should also be prepared to give a description of what your pet ingested. If there is a container or bottle with ingredients, give that information as well.

If a pet poisoning emergency does occur, remember to stay calm. Panicking will frighten your pet and won't help the situation. Poisons and your pet are a dangerous, yet preventable, combination. With the right knowledge, you can take steps to keep your pets safe.

Resources

Animal Poison Control Center. (n. d.). Top 10 poisons of 2009. Retrieved from http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/top-10-pet-poisons-of-the-year.html.

Animal Poison Control Center. (n. d.). What to do if your pet is poisoned. Retrieved May 25, 2010, from: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/what-to-do-if-your-pet-is-poisoned.html.

Pet Poison Helpline. (n. d.). Poison proof your home. Retrieved May 25, 2010, from http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/PetCareTips/PetProofingYourHome/.