Since you know how curious your cat or dog is, it’s amazing how many things they try and get into. Things we may never even imagine to be edible or tasty to them. But the reality is, pets are like toddlers and try and eat whatever they find. Because of this fact, it’s important to understand all of the potential pet poisons that are in the home and outdoors. 

March is national Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month, and your team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is observing the month by raising more awareness among our readers. As loving pet owners, we are sure you want the safest home for your four-legged and more education about pet toxins is key. Let’s take a look at why.

Pet Poisons In the Home

The home is teeming with multiple toxins that are all too accessible to pets. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, these are the top ten most common causes of pet toxicity in cats and dogs each year.

Cats:

1. Lilies (highly toxic)
2. Flea and tick spot-on medication for dogs
3. Household cleaners
4. Antidepressant medication
5. Essential oils (even the fumes)
6. Anti-inflammatories
7. Rodenticides
8. Stimulant medication (ADD/ADHD)
9. Onions and garlic
10. Vitamin D

Dogs: 

1. Chocolate
2. Rat and mice poison (rodenticides)
3. Anti-inflammatories
4. Xylitol (sugar-free gum and candy)
5. Grapes and raisins
6. Antidepressants
7. Acetaminophen
8. Vitamin D
9. Stimulants
10. Fertilizers

Did any of these surprise you? How many of them are in your home? It’s interesting to note that human medications are often the culprits of poisoning in pets. This is because they’re readily in our home and are often accidentally dropped to the ground where your pet can find them. 

Food toxicity is another big one, since our pets are drawn to what we eat. Chocolate is a toxin not only because it contains caffeine but it also contains the more harmful chemical, theobromine.

Instead of using noxious household cleaners, pest control, and so on, switch to natural cleaning products that are pet safe. 

Creating a Pet Safe Lawn and Garden

Lawn and garden products and the plants and trees you grow may also be poisonous to our pets. There are several plants that are listed as toxins with varying levels of toxicity. The ASPCA has a complete list of toxic plants versus pet friendly plants you can switch to.

Avoid the following poisonous foliage, among others:

• Crocus
• Azalea
• Oleander
• Sago palm
• Lilies
• Daffodils
• Lily of the Valley
• Tulips and Hyacinths
• Cyclamen
• Kalanchoe

Do you have any of these growing in your yard? 

Pet Poison Prevention

The world is full of potentially dangerous things and substances, and pets are endlessly curious. This is why we must take steps to protect our furry friends.

1. Stow all medications, chemicals, cleaners, and other dangerous things in a secure cabinet or other area.
2. Keep all purses and tote bags on a hanger or in the closet.
3. Cover trash cans and compost bins.
4. Do a thorough sweep through the house to identify anything that might pose a threat to your pet.
5. Remove any poisonous plants and trees from the yard, replacing them with pet friendly foliage, trees, and flowers.
   

We hope this overview of pet toxins help to keep your pet safe. With some simple steps to remove any hazards in the home and yard, we hope you will never need to call us about an emergency pet poisoning.

For more information about pet poison prevention, please contact our team. We are here to help!

The post Observing Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month to Protect Your Pet appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

When you look around your pet’s environment and consider potential toxins, the usual suspects probably come to mind: chocolate, Xylitol (a key ingredient in sugar-free foods and some peanut butter), antifreeze, medications, etc. However, in regions like ours – where the winters are mild and beautiful foliage and robust agriculture are plentiful – there’s an increased risk of exposure to outdoor pet toxins.

Reducing or eliminating your pet’s exposure to toxins, as well as being able to recognize and respond to a pet poisoning emergency, are key when it comes to protecting your furry loved one.

Outdoor Pet Toxins

Always make sure the following outdoor pet toxins are stored safely out of your pet’s reach (or avoid them altogether!):

• Rodenticides/insecticides – Anything designed to kill a rodent can also kill a cat or dog. Even if the poison is placed out of reach, rodents may move the granules to a different located to which your pet has access. Avoid these toxins by switching to a safer form of pest control, such as traps or ultrasonic devices.
• Bone meal/blood meal/fertilizers – The high nitrogen levels in most soil amenders can have serious consequences for pets, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and pancreatitis. Ingestion of bone meal or the packaging it came in can lead to dangerous intestinal obstructions.
• Herbicides – Common herbicides, such as glyphosate, pyridine, and 2,4–D, can cause gastrointestinal distress, aspiration pneumonia, nervous system depression, and tremors. Use sparingly, and make sure your pet doesn’t go outside once they’re applied. Switch to more natural products whenever possible.
• Cocoa bean mulch – This fragrant and richly colored mulch is a popular choice for landscaping, but since it’s a byproduct of chocolate production, it’s also a potential pet poison. Dogs are particularly drawn to cocoa bean mulch, and eating it can result in toxic side effects similar to that of chocolate.
• Compost – Compost bins should be securely covered at all times, as they may contain coffee grounds, egg shells, onion peels, decaying food, and other items pets should avoid.
• Antifreeze – All automotive fluid poses a threat to pets, but antifreeze takes the cake. Many pets find the sweet odor and taste irresistible. It only takes a tiny amount to sicken or kill a pet (two teaspoons for a cat and two tablespoons for a medium-sized dog). Always store this product in a tightly sealed container out of reach, and clean up any spills immediately. Consider switching to a less toxic version containing propylene glycol.

Dangerous Greenery

No discussion of outdoor pet toxins is complete without mentioning the many lovely plants and shrubbery that could be hazardous. Check the ASPCA’s list of toxic plants before making any additions to your home or yard. Some of the more common toxic outdoor plants include:

• Lilies (all parts of the lily plant are extremely poisonous to cats)
• Rhododendrons
• Azaleas
• Crocus
• Oleander
• Laurel
• Sago palm
• Aloe vera

Handling a Pet Toxin Emergency

Any exposure to an outdoor pet toxin should be considered a medical emergency. If you think your pet has ingested something poisonous, please don’t wait to seek treatment. If possible, save the packaging of whatever your pet ingested, as this can help with the process of diagnosis and treatment. Remember to call Shiloh Veterinary Hospital right away or contact a nearby veterinary emergency clinic if a situation occurs outside our normal business hours.

Our team is always here for you and your pet! Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.

The post On the Lookout for Outdoor Pet Toxins appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.