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Keep your puppy safe from poisons |
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Ten Tips for a Poison-Safe Household
Be aware of the plants you have in your house and in your pet's garden.
The ingestion of azalea, oleander, mistletoe, sago palm, Easter lily,
or yew plant material, by an animal, could be fatal.
When cleaning your house, never allow your pet access to the area where
cleaning agents are used or stored. Cleaning agents have a variety of
properties. Some may only cause a mild stomach upset, while others
could cause severe burns of the tongue, mouth, and stomach.
When using rat or mouse baits, ant or insect traps, or snail and slug
baits, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your
animals. Most baits contain sweet smelling inert ingredients, such as
jelly, peanut butter, and sugars, which can be very attractive to your
pet.
Never give your animal any medications unless under the direction of
your veterinarian. Many medications that are used safely in humans can
be deadly when used inappropriately. One extra strength paracetamol
tablet (500mg) can kill a seven-pound cat.
Keep all prescription and over the counter drugs out of your pets'
reach, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain killers, cold medicines,
anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants, vitamins, and diet pills are common
examples of human medication that could be potentially lethal even in
small dosages. One regular strength ibuprofen (200mg) could cause
stomach ulcers in a ten-pound dog.
Never leave chocolates unattended. Approximately one-half ounce or less
of baking chocolate per pound body weight can cause problems. Even
small amounts can cause pancreatic problems.
Many common household items have been shown to be lethal in certain
species. Miscellaneous items that are highly toxic even in low
quantities include pennies (high concentration of zinc), mothballs
(contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. one or two balls can be
life threatening in most species), potpourri oils, fabric softener
sheets, automatic dish detergents (contain cationic detergents which
could cause corrosive lesions), batteries (contain acids or alkali
which can also cause corrosive lesions), homemade play dough (contains
high quantity of salt), winter heat source agents like hand or foot
warmers (contain high levels of iron), cigarettes, coffee grounds, and
alcoholic drinks.
All automotive products such as oil, petrol, and antifreeze, should be
stored in areas away from pet access. As little as one teaspoon of
antifreeze (ethylene glycol) can be deadly in a seven-pound cat and
less than one tablespoon could be lethal to a 20-pound dog.
Before buying or using flea products on your pet or in your household,
contact your vet to discuss what types of flea products are recommended
for your pet. Read ALL information before using a product on your
animals or in your home. Always follow label instructions. When a
product is labeled "for use in dogs only" this means that the product
should NEVER be applied to cats. Also, when using a fogger or a house
spray, make sure to remove all pets from the area for the time period
specified on the container. If you are uncertain about the usage of any
product, contact the manufacturer or your vet to clarify the directions
BEFORE use of the product.
When treating your lawn or garden with fertilizers, herbicides, or
insecticides, always keep your animals away from the area until the
area dries completely. Discuss usage of products with the manufacturer
of the products to be used. Always store such products in an area that
will ensure no possible pet exposure.
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