
In conjunction with National Poison Prevention Month, veterinarians at Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic are urging pet owners to become aware of the potential hazards that lurk in our homes and yards, especially those that can pose a threat to our beloved four-legged companions. March is Pet Poison Prevention Month, dedicated to educating pet owners and pet sitters on how to identify, prevent, and respond to pet poison emergencies. North Vancouver Vet
Our pets are more than just animals; they're cherished members of our families. Therefore, it's crucial to create a safe environment for them. Awareness is the key to preventing poison emergencies, so let's delve into the common poisons found in different areas of our homes and yards, and learn how to protect our furry friends.
North Vancouver Vet
Living Room
Plants: Certain household plants like Azalea, Lilies, Ivy, Mistletoe, and Poinsettia can be toxic to pets. Ensure these are placed out of reach.
Batteries: Dogs may chew on batteries, leading to serious chemical burns. Keep them and battery-operated devices away from pets.
Purse Safety: Keep purses and backpacks out of reach as they may contain medications, cigarettes, or sugar-free gum, which can be harmful to pets.
Kitchen
Human Foods: Many common foods like grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, onions, garlic, chocolate, and Xylitol (found in sugarless gum) are toxic to pets. Keep these foods away from your furry friends.
Trash Management: Dispose of garbage properly as it may contain toxins like cigarette butts, coffee grounds, and moldy foods.
Alcohol: Keep alcoholic beverages out of reach, as ingestion can lead to low blood sugar and other serious health issues.

Bathroom North Vancouver Vet
Medications: Over-the-counter and prescription drugs, inhalers, and dietary supplements should be stored securely, as they can be poisonous to pets.
Cleaning Products: Keep pets away from household cleaners, especially toilet bowl treatments, which can cause adverse effects if ingested.
Utility Room North Vancouver Vet
Rodenticides: Mouse and rat poisons are toxic to pets. Ensure they are kept out of reach, as pets and wildlife can be poisoned through ingestion of rodents.
Insecticides: Be cautious when using flea and tick products meant for dogs on cats, as they may cause tremors or seizures.
Glues: Some glues can expand in the stomach when ingested, requiring surgical removal. Keep them out of reach of pets.
Yard and Garden North Vancouver Vet
Fertilizers: Dogs may be attracted to certain fertilizers, so keep them tightly sealed and out of reach.
Chemicals: Be cautious with lawn and garden chemicals, as they can be harmful if ingested by pets. Keep pets off treated areas until chemicals are dry.
Garage North Vancouver Vet
Antifreeze: This fluid is highly toxic to pets and can be fatal if ingested. Clean up spills immediately and keep antifreeze out of reach.
While some poisons may cause an immediate reaction in your pet, others may take several days to show symptoms. There isn't a single set of symptoms to watch for when it comes to poisoning, but there are several common signs: North Vancouver Vet
Drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea
Lethargy, weakness
Pale or yellowish gums
Excessive thirst or urination
Nervousness, hyperactivity, muscle tremors, seizures, coma
If you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous, it's crucial to contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline right away. North Vancouver Vet
The Pet Poison Helpline (https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/) frequently receives calls regarding the following toxins ingested by dogs and cats: North Vancouver Vet

For Dogs: North Vancouver Vet
Chocolate
Mouse and Rat Poisons
Anti-inflammatory Medications
Xylitol
Grapes and Raisins
Antidepressant Medications
Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol)
Vitamin D Overdose
Stimulant Medications
Fertilizers
For Cats: North Vancouver Vet
Lilies
Spot-on Flea/Tick Medication for Dogs
Household Cleaners
Antidepressant Medications
Essential Oils
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Mouse and Rat Poisons (Rodenticides)
Stimulant Medications
Onions and Garlic
Vitamin D Overdose
Bringing awareness to these common poisons and their potential dangers is essential for keeping our pets safe and healthy. Let's make Pet Poison Prevention Month a starting point for year-round vigilance in protecting our furry companions. With guidance from Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we can ensure the well-being of our pets and provide them with a safe and loving environment.