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Pet Poisoning Prevention Tips
Pets are not immune from poisonings, accidental or intentional. Dogs are especially prone to poisonings as they can and do eat almost anything. Head off potential pet dangers with some preventive measures.
- Feed pets only pet food. The fat content from table scraps can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Never give pets human food that you think might be spoiled. Animals can get sick from bad food as easily as humans.
- Lock up dangerous garage or storage area items such as insect killers or fertilizers before confining your pet in these areas.
- Choose a snail bait (metaldehyde) that does not look like pet food. The pellet formulation is responsible for many serious poisonings each year. Snail bait in the sawdust/powder formulation scattered in flowerbeds is safer.
- Some mouse and insect killing products use peanut butter as an attractant. The peanut butter is also attractive to dogs. Keep pets in mind when placing these products around your home.
- Clean up immediately after using household and automotive products. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that is attractive to animals. Even a small amount lapped up from the floor or driveway can cause kidney failure or death.
- Use pesticides, such as flea repellant sprays or shampoos, with care. Read warning labels before use. Never use dog products on cats, as cats are much more sensitive to the toxic effects of products. Discontinue use immediately if any unusual symptoms appear.
- Never transfer toxic products into jars or bowls from which pets can drink.
- Don't leave medications within reach of pets. If you drop a pill, pick it up before your pet finds it and eats it.
- Always check with a veterinarian before medicating pets. Many of the common over-the-counter medications (acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen) can cause severe toxicity in both dogs and cats, even with just one tablet. Instead of treating your pet, you could be poisoning it.
- Don't allow your dog to eat chocolate. Chocolate contains an ingredient called theobromine, which acts very much like caffeine. Too much theobromine can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nervousness, restlessness, excitement, tremors, seizures, and even coma.
- Don't feed your pets alcohol or illicit drugs. It is dangerous. Many pets have had to be treated at an emergency vet clinic because of the folly of their owners.
- If you live in a tick-infested area, check your pets frequently, especially if they have been out for an extended period of time. Refer to the Lyme disease section to learn proper removal of ticks.
- Select houseplants with care. Some plants considered non-toxic to humans can be toxic to pets. See the plant section for more information.
- Make sure curious, young pets have safe, non-toxic chewable toys and snacks available. When young pets are teething, they will eat or chew on almost anything.
- Have the phone number of your veterinarian and the emergency vet number posted. Keep the Poison Center number handy. If you suspect a pet poisoning, do not wait to call. Prompt attention may make a crucial difference to your pet.
- To vomit dogs at home (under the direction of a health professional), 3% household hydrogen peroxide is used. Have a bottle on hand and always call before using it.
Skunks and Pets
If your pet meets up with the wrong end of a skunk, the resulting smell can be hard to handle and harder to remove. Some have recommended bathing the pet in tomato juice. This will require a large quantity of tomato juice and will result in a big mess.
Another method of removing skunk smell from dogs and cats uses common household products. Combine one quart of household 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4-cup baking soda and one teaspoonful liquid soap. Wearing gloves, bathe the animal thoroughly and rinse well with copious amounts of warm water.
If a skunk sprays a pet in the eyes, the animal's eyes must be well irrigated for at least 15 minutes. Skunk "juice" left in the eyes can cause eye inflammation. In severe cases, the cornea may be affected, resulting in blindness.
1-800-222-1222. . Anytime, Anyplace in California
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Disclaimer: This web site is designed to be informational and educational. Under no circumstance is this web site meant to replace the expert advice of a qualified poison specialist or physician. In the event of a poison emergency, call the nearest poison center immediately by diaing 1-800-222-1222 or contact 9-1-1 emergency services.