March is Poison Prevention Awareness Month and sadly, many pets are poisoned accidentally leading to health complications or even death. As a pet parent, many people are not as aware of the risks posed to pets as they are to children which can increase the likelihood of an accidental pet poisoning. But there are a few simple things you can do in order to prevent your beloved pup or kitten from getting sick on your watch:
– Know the foods and plants that are dangerous for your pet. While most people are aware that chocolate and poinsettias are bad for dogs, they may be unaware of other dangers that lurk in their pantry or on their front stoop. Items from yeast to grapes to alcohol to onions can pose threats to the health and safety of your pet. While poinsettias can cause some stomach upset to dogs, other plans are even more dangerous and some can pose a risk to cats as well. Lilies are highly poisonous to cats and can cause kidney failure; baby’s breath, carnations, daffodils, ivy, and even aloe vera can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and even cardiac arrhythmia. Educate yourself and make sure your home and garden are safe and appropriate for your pets. If you are cooking or eating and something falls on the floor, don’t assume it’s safe for your pet to “clean up” after you.
– Store household chemicals in one area and keep that area closed off. Many of us might think that a pet would never try to eat or lick a bottle of bleach or a container of Comet – after all, neither of those smell appealing. But that doesn’t always stop a pet. Cats and especially dogs investigate using their mouths and are sometimes drawn to things that may baffle us – most pet parents have witnessed a cat lapping up their own vomit or a dog dining on feces, so we know that what they do doesn’t always make much sense. By being proactive and keeping household chemicals locked away in one place, you can prevent your pet from making a dangerous choice. Obviously, if you store these items under a sink or somewhere else a pet might be able to reach, make sure that the doors are closed and that there are no treats, food, or other temptations that might lead a pet to try and access the area.
– Consider the dangers of your pest control. Many pest control products can be dangerous to household pets if ingested, including sprays, traps, and other methods. Thankfully, there are pet safe of versions of many of these items as long as you look for them. If you use a pest control service, make sure they know not to use anything that might pose a risk to your pets. When you treat pests at home, make sure not to use loose pellets or bait as your cat or dog may come across it first.
– Keep art, renovation, and craft supplies out of reach. Whether it’s a boat rehab in the garage, oil painting in a studio, or craft glue on the kitchen table, if your pet has access to it, it’s a risk. Many of the products used for these activities are a danger to household pets, even if they are only around them briefly. If a cat can knock down a jar of paint thinner or your pooch can gnaw on a bottle of E6000 while you answer the door, it’s dangerous. Don’t assume your pet will be safe just because you are there to supervise – your attention may be redirected and even if only for a moment that can cause serious repercussions.
– Keep the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center number (1-888-426-4435) on hand. While this may be less prevention and more treatment, making sure you have the right contact information for an animal poison control center as well as for your local emergency vet can help save your pet’s life if an accident happens.
photo credit: saratogajean via photopin cc