March is Pet Poison Prevention Month, an initiative created to help reduce the chances of pets becoming poisoned by any harmful substances. We have put together this brief guide to help you avoid this dangerous situation!
Be aware that some plants are harmful to your pet. Not everything that grows in your yard or indoor pots is safe to ingest. Plants like azalea, oleander, castor bean, sago palm, Easter lily or yew plant can be fatal if ingested by your pet.
Be careful with animal traps. If you are placing bait or traps for rodents, roaches or ants, keep in mind that these can contain ingredients which are also attractive to your pet and can be equally harmful.
Don’t assume your pet can handle human medication. Any medication taken by your pet must be prescribed by a qualified veterinarian. For example, one full-strength (500mg) paracetamol tablet can be fatal to a cat.
It’s basic - but be careful with chocolate. Since it is such a common household treat, it is worth remembering that chocolate is toxic to many pets. Never leave chocolate unattended. This also goes for other common items like chewing gum and raisins or grapes. Chewing gum contains a sweetener called Xylitol which is extremely toxic to dogs.
Common household objects can be poisonous to your pet. Always think twice about what you leave laying around in your pet’s reach. Some common household items that can be toxic include: potpourri oils, ground coffee, play dough, dishwasher detergent, cigarettes, batteries, alcohol and hand warmers/foot warmers.
As careful as we can be with our pets, the worst can sometimes unfortunately happen. That is why it is recommended to have your own pet poison prevention kit. A basic pet poison prevention kit should include:
Liquid dishwashing detergent
Rubber gloves
Hydrogen peroxide
A bulb syringe
Saline eye solution
Tweezers
Hopefully, you will never need to use this kit. However, it is definitely sensible to own one! By locking any poisonous substances like the ones mentioned in this article out of reach from your pets, you should be able to successfully prevent any instances of poisoning.
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Jack Vale is a writer in partnership with pet mobility specialists, Walkin’ Pets.