In preparation for Poison Prevention Awareness Month in March, we’ve put together some top tips for helping prevent pet poisoning and what to do in an emergency.
The kitchen may be where the family gathers, but it’s also where you can find foods that are hazardous to cats and dogs.
Toxic Foods to Watch Out For
Be extra quick with the broom when these items fall on the floor, and make sure to store them securely in a high cupboard.
• Onions
• Garlic
• Grapes
• Avocados
• Raisins
• Chocolate (especially dark chocolate)
• Sugar-free treats or peanut butter containing xylitol
• Coffee
• Cherry and apricot pits
• Macadamia nuts
• Caffeine
• Salt
• Apple seeds
• Alcoholic beverages
What Else is Lurking Around the House?
It’s not just food you need to keep an eye on. Keep these items out of reach too.
• Essential oils, both diffused and directly applied
• Candles not made from soy or beeswax
• Human drugs or vitamins
• Rat poison
• Fertilizer
• Cleaning products
Poison Prevention Tips
Here’s what else you can do.
• Teach your pet to stay out of the kitchen.
• Give them a job to do, like the “Place” command, when you’re preparing meals.
• Supervise your pet at all times, especially if you’ve got a counter surfer. If you need to step out of the kitchen, put your dog somewhere safe like a crate.
• Make sure to clean up all the remnants from the floor.
• Purchase safe alternatives, when possible, like peanut butter without xylitol.
• If your dog has a habit of picking things up off the ground outside, you can keep him or her safe with a basket muzzle that allows proper panting but makes it more difficult to grab potentially dangerous items.
Teach your dog the “out” or “leave it” command, which essentially means “drop whatever is in your mouth and disengage.” This could be a lifesaver when it comes to toxic foods or choking hazards.
Poisoning Symptoms
Call your vet or head to the nearest emergency clinic as soon as possible if see any of these symptoms.
• Agitation, tremors and/or convulsions
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Low energy
• Abnormal heart rate
• Drooling
• Nausea
• Pale gums
Are you covered?
If your pet does happen to swallow something hazardous, your trip to the vet or emergency room may be covered under your Pets Plus Us® pet health insurance policy.
Share these tips and help keep your friends’ pets safe, too!
