March is Poison Prevention Month. What better time of year to take a look at some of the most common pet poisons that can harm our dogs and cats? Below, your Anderson, IN vet tells you about toxins that may already be in your home or apartment.
Toxic Plant Life
There are all kinds of toxic plants and flowers for pets. The list includes dieffenbachia, elephant ear, rhododendron (also called azalea), philodendron, aloe plants, tulips, lilies, daffodils, chrysanthemums, the sago palm, and many more. Check your home for harmful plant life and get rid of it if necessary.
Dangerous Human Foods
It’s fun to slip your pet a few table scraps here and there, but make sure you’re not giving your animal companion something harmful. Dangerous human foods for pets include garlic, onions, chives, leeks, scallions, shallots, chocolate, candy, gum, alcohol, avocados, macadamia nuts, and meat or poultry bones, among others. It’s safest to keep your pet out of the kitchen during meal preparation, and store all harmful foods in closed containers or cabinets where pets can’t reach.
Medicine
Did you know that a variety of medications made for humans—and even some that can be prescribed to pets—can harm your furry friend? The list includes multiple types of painkillers, prescription pills, antidepressants, and cough syrup, just to name a few. Store your medications carefully where pets can’t gain access, and be sure to store your own medicine in a separate area from that of your pet’s medications so that the two don’t get mixed up.
Cleaning Supplies
Make sure your cleaning supplies remain locked away in the supply closet or a closed cabinet where your pet can’t get ahold of them. Almost all household cleaning supplies, from carpet cleaner and furniture polish to common disinfectants and bleach-based products, can hurt a pet! Move pets elsewhere if you’re cleaning with something that gives off strong fumes, and clean up any spilled puddles of cleaning chemicals right away.
Pesticide Products
Do you use pesticides or rodenticides in your home to ward off pesky insect or rodent intruders? Place these products with extreme caution, because they could harm your house pets as well as the pests they’re made to kill. Choose pet-safe pesticides whenever possible, or consider non-toxic alternatives like traps.
Does your pet need veterinary care? We’re here to help with that. Call your Anderson, IN animal hospital right away.
