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Pet Toxins & Poisons
Do you know what dangers are in your home?
Each year thousands of dogs and cats needlessly suffer and many die from accidental ingestion of household poisons, including popular houseplants, medications, common foods and pesticides.
Plants/Flowers: They may be pretty, but some plants are poisonous - even deadly. As little as a single leaf from any lily variety can be lethal to cats.
Others to avoid:
• Amarylis                       • Azalea
• Christmas tree             • Chrysanthemums
     pine needles
• Daffodils                     • Easter cacti
• Holly                           • Hyacinths
• Mistletoe                      • Mulch with cocoa beans
• Oleander                      • Poinsettias
• Sago Palm                  • Tulips
Toxic Meds: Acetaminophen is found in more than 200 prescription and non prescription formulations such as Tylenol, hydrocodone (vicodin) and Lorcet, which reduce our pains and fevers. It only takes one pill to kill a cat and ingesting it can cause kidney failure and liver damage in dogs.
Dogs are most commonly poisoned by ibuprofen, enticed by the pill's sweet coating. Common brands of ibuprofen include Advil, Midol and Motrin, although it is also available in many generic forms.
Foods: The Animal Poison Control Center Advises that as few as seven grapes can be toxic to dogs. Currently, the exact toxic component remains unclear, but symptoms can last several days to weeks IF your pet responds to treatment. Other toxic foods include avocados, chocolate, coffee, raisins, nutmeg, onions, garlic, raw salmon and the sweetener Xylitol, which can be found in sugar free candy and gum.
Antifreeze: Common sense may tell you that antifreeze is deadly but are you aware how often pets are exposed to it? Look no further than your garage or driveway, on the street or in parking lots. Cat litter or sand absorbs the sweet-smelling fluid and will prevent pets from licking it. A pet-safe antifreeze is also available at stores.
Cleaners: Be careful when you store potentially hazardous cleaning products. Pets can gain access to bottles found in lower cabinets or the trash can. In particular, bathroom cleaners containing leach or Lysol can cause very serious chemical burns on the tongue and upper esophagus if licked or consumed.
Flea Products: Some flea products are more harmful than the fleas themselves. Many over the counter treatments contain the toxins pyrethrin and permethrin, an insecticide commonly used to kill fleas in dogs. Before buying a topical flea product, ask your veterinarian which ones are safe for your pet.
Top Toxins:Â Pets are commonly treated for ingesting these poisons:
• Acetaminophen             • Ibuprofen
• Plants, particularly lilies  • Human food
• Household cleaners        • Antifreeze
• OTC flea treatment         • Pesticides
TIPS: A few simple measures can prevent accidental poisoning:
• Use covered trash bins insides the house to prevent access to disposed medications, empty cleaning bottles, dental floss and food.
• Keep pets out of the garage or shed, away from oil and antifreeze leaks from cars.
• Don't store cleaners under sinks.
• At Christmastime, cover the tree water so pets can't drink out of the stand. Pine needles are poisonous.
Pets aren’t invincible and tend to hide an illness until it's too late. If you suspect your pet has ingested a poison, don't wait. Take him to your veterinarian immediately! |
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