National Poison Prevention Week and What You Can Do

March 20-26, 2016, is National Poison Prevention Week. And here at Furever Home, we want to help you keep your cats, dogs, rabbits and all other pets safe.

First and foremost, always have your vet’s phone number handy. There is also a national hotline you can call: 855.764.7661. You can learn more on their website www.petpoisonhelpline.com. This site also includes a very detailed list of items that may be harmful to your pets, such as some common household items:

• Detergent and other cleansers
• Glue
• Hand sanitizer
• Potpourri
• Medicine
• Some household plants – including lilies
• Antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid
• Some foods, including chocolate, caffeine/coffee grounds, onions, grapes, alcohol, etc.

 

 
If your pet accidentally ingested something harmful, it could take twenty minutes up to a few days for them to begin showing a sign. And, as the weather gets warmer and people begin spring cleaning and opening windows and spending time outside, the danger increases.
 
How to Keep Your Pets Safe

• Be aware of the type of plants you have both in and around your house. Some plants can be fatal, including azalea, oleander, and lilies to name a few. If you have these plants, be sure to keep your pets away from them at all times.
• When cleaning, keep pets in a different room. If your cat is like mine, he’ll run away at the first sign of the vacuum cleaner so that won’t be a problem. However, when using bleach or other toxic chemicals, be sure the areas are completely dry before allowing your pets into those areas.
• Store all cleaners – both in the house and in the garage – safely and out of reach. Pets are curious and one sniff could cause burns on the nose, tongue or stomach.
• If using any harsh chemicals, such as bug bombs, mouse or slug baits, ant or roach traps, etc., keep them inaccessible to your pets. Many of these traps have a chemical that attracts animals so be extra careful.
• Keep all of your medications and vitamins secure as they could cause stomach ulcers – or worse – if eaten by your pets. One extra strength (500mg) acetaminophen tablet could be fatal to a cat.
• Never leave food that is harmful to pets unattended.
• Read labels. If you buy a product for dogs, don’t use on a cat. Likewise, don’t use products for cats on your dog. And, you should always consult your vet before using a new flea treatment or other item.
• Make sure your pets don’t walk on grass after it has been treated with fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides until they have dried completely.
• Keeps your pets out of the garbage can by using a tamper-proof lid or latch.
• While not poisonous, ingesting ribbons, shoelaces or string can also be extremely dangerous to your pets as they can get wrapped around intestines and cause major damage.
• Talk to your vet about putting together a pet first aid kit.

 
What to Do if Your Pet is Accidentally Poisoned

• Remove the poisonous substance from your pet’s reach
• Call your vet, the National Animal Poison Control Center (888.426.4425), the Pet Poison Hotline (855.764.7661) or the ASPCA Poison Control (888.426.4435) immediately.
• Have detailed information available, such as the symptoms and when they started, the chemical or food your pet came into contact with, whether it was eaten or breathed in, etc.
• It could also be helpful to freeze vomit or stool samples so they can be tested by a toxicologist, if needed.

 
What Not to Do

• Wait and see. Time is of the essence so begin monitoring your pet’s behavior and call your vet or one of the hotlines immediately.
• Rush your pet to the vet without calling. Many local vets don’t deal with many poisonings. If you call first, you could be directed to take your pet to an animal hospital or another local office that is better equipped to help your best furry friend. Don’t waste time by going to the wrong place.
• Try to treat your pet yourself. Do not try to make your pet vomit. You’ll just make it worse.

 
Questions? Let us know in the comments section.

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