Tips on Pet Poison Prevention

Pets are often happiest when they can be adventurous. We love the energy pets bring to the household, but sometimes, pets get into situations they shouldn’t be in. Many harmful substances in households can be poisonous or even fatal to your pet, so it’s important to prepare for such a situation. Blue Lake Animal Hospital offers advice to keep your pet safe and prevent poisoning in your house. 

Understanding Pet Toxicity

The worst effects of poisoning can happen quickly, so if you think your pet may have consumed something toxic, you need to act immediately. Every minute counts, so contact our veterinarians for a same-day appointment. We will prepare an exam room to quickly treat the problem.  

Pet owners should know the signs of poisoning. At first, symptoms may be subtle, and they may not become obvious for a few days after your pet consumes a toxic substance. Stay on the watch for the following signs: 

• Drooling
• Upset stomach 
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle twitching
• Weakness
• Trouble breathing
• Seizures

Preventing Pet Poisoning at Home

Pets can get into all kinds of substances that are potentially toxic. Many of these items are common parts of a household, so perform a safety evaluation at home to identify them and properly store them away from your pets:

• People Food. Even if it tastes good to us, some foods can be very dangerous when consumed by a pet. Chocolate, fatty foods, onions, grapes, sugar substitutes and bread dough are just a few possible foods that may be toxic to animals. Be careful when preparing food and keep your pet on a strict diet with specially-made foods. 

• Medications. Pets should never be given medication made for people. Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen are two examples of common medications that can cause significant illness in pets. Keep your medications and your pet’s in separate locations, and read labels carefully to make sure you’re providing the right meds. Never share unprescribed meds with your pets. 

• Plants. There are many flowers and plants that are toxic to pets. These include lilies, cyclamen, poinsettias and more. Ideally, avoid having these plants in the home. Cats are notoriously skilled at finding their way to places that seem out of reach, so it’s best to opt for pet-friendly greenery. 

• Cleaning Agents. Cleaning chemicals are often toxic if consumed. Keep pets in a separate room when you’re cleaning, and put cleaning supplies in a locked cabinet or another storage area that is inaccessible to them. 

• Essential Oils. Essential oils can cause organ damage when consumed. Even the scents themselves can be irritating to your pet’s airways. Before using essential oils in your home, talk to a veterinarian and place the diffuser in a safe location.  

Contact a Veterinarian

Many seemingly harmless household items can be dangerous and even fatal when ingested by an animal. Blue Lake Animal Hospital aims to educate and assist our clients so they can support their pet’s health. If you believe your pet ingested something toxic, contact us right away for a same-day appointment.