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Protect Your Furry Friends: A Guide to Pet Poison Prevention

Writer's picture: Lonsdale Place VetLonsdale Place Vet

Updated: Apr 15, 2024


Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic North Vancouver

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

  1. Plants: Certain household plants like Azalea, Lilies, Ivy, Mistletoe, and Poinsettia can be toxic to pets. Ensure these are placed out of reach.

  2. Batteries: Dogs may chew on batteries, leading to serious chemical burns. Keep them and battery-operated devices away from pets.

  3. 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

  1. 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.

  2. Trash Management: Dispose of garbage properly as it may contain toxins like cigarette butts, coffee grounds, and moldy foods.

  3. Alcohol: Keep alcoholic beverages out of reach, as ingestion can lead to low blood sugar and other serious health issues.


Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic North Vancouver

Bathroom North Vancouver Vet

  1. Medications: Over-the-counter and prescription drugs, inhalers, and dietary supplements should be stored securely, as they can be poisonous to pets.

  2. Cleaning Products: Keep pets away from household cleaners, especially toilet bowl treatments, which can cause adverse effects if ingested.

Utility Room North Vancouver Vet

  1. 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.

  2. Insecticides: Be cautious when using flea and tick products meant for dogs on cats, as they may cause tremors or seizures.

  3. 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

  1. Fertilizers: Dogs may be attracted to certain fertilizers, so keep them tightly sealed and out of reach.

  2. 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

  1. 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


Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic North Vancouver

For Dogs: North Vancouver Vet

  1. Chocolate

  2. Mouse and Rat Poisons

  3. Anti-inflammatory Medications

  4. Xylitol

  5. Grapes and Raisins

  6. Antidepressant Medications

  7. Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol)

  8. Vitamin D Overdose

  9. Stimulant Medications

  10. Fertilizers

For Cats: North Vancouver Vet

  1. Lilies

  2. Spot-on Flea/Tick Medication for Dogs

  3. Household Cleaners

  4. Antidepressant Medications

  5. Essential Oils

  6. Anti-Inflammatory Medications

  7. Mouse and Rat Poisons (Rodenticides)

  8. Stimulant Medications

  9. Onions and Garlic

  10. 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.



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