Pet Sitters International reminds us that every year thousands of pets suffer and even die from household poisoning. The ASPCA Animal Control Poison Center manages an average of 750 calls a day related to possible poisoning. While the list below is not an exhaustive one, it contains some of the common household items that are dangerous to pets. Pet proof your house to protect against accidental poisoning. Items that may be within a cat’s or dog’s reach such as a pill left on the counter, small batteries, plastic bags, ribbon or tinsel can cause serious injury if ingested.
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Foods
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Alcohol; Chocolate; Caffeine (can be severe to life-threatening); Many Fruits (apples and blueberries are safe for pets); Mushrooms; Xylitol (sugar-free sweetener-dogs only) |
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Household Items
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Acids (batteries); Antifreeze (severe to fatal threat); Detergents; Gasoline (may be severe to life-threatening); Mouse and Rat Poison; Mothballs (can be life-threatening); Paint; Super Glue; Tinsel; Windshield Wiper Fluid |
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Medicines
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Medicines such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol); Antibiotics; Antidepressants; Antihistamines; Aspirin; Cough Medicine; Flea and Tick collars; Firestarter logs (potentially requiring surgery – dogs only); Ibuprofen; NSAIDs; Sleep Aids; Vitamin and Mineral supplements especially Calcium
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Plants
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Baby’s Breath; Bird of Paradise; Calla Lily (dogs); Dieffenbachia; Dumbcane; Elephant’s Ear; Geraniums; Kalanchoes; Lilies (cats only): Easter, Stargazer, Tiger; Philodendron; Poinsettia; Rhododendrons; Schefflera |
W A R N I N G
** This is not a comprehensive list.**
Symptoms of poisoning include (but are not limited to) vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, lethargy, hiding, tremors, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, skin irritation, and pawing or clawing at their mouths. The symptoms your pet exhibits will vary depending on the toxin, so if you suspect poisoning contact your veterinarian immediately or the Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680). The Pet Poison Helpline charges $39 per incident which covers the cost of the initial consultation as well as all follow-up calls associated with the management of the case.
Additional information can be found on the Pet Poison Helpline site: http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/
