March is Pet Poison Awareness Month!
Accidental pet poisonings are more common than you may think, and they usually involve items you may not be aware of such as common kitchen foods, household or backyard plants, or items found in the medicine cabinet. When it comes to some toxins, some are items owners give their pets thinking they are safe (this usually applies to human medications). In reality, many of those items are harmful.
Common Toxins to Pets many owners may be unaware of include:
- ibuprofen/aspirin/acetaminophen - antidepressants
- anti-cancer medications - diet pills
- insecticides - certain flea/tick products (ask your vet!)
- Rasins, Grapes - raw yeast dough
- Coffee, Tea Leaves - Onions, Garlic, Avocado
- Macadamia nuts - Xylitol (in gum, hard candy, some peanut butter)
- recreational drugs including Marijuana
This is by no means an inclusive list.
If you suspect your pet has swallowed something poisonous, please call:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 1-888-426-4435 www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/
Pet Poison Helpline 1-800-213-6680 http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/about/
Both of these have a fee to call, however their veterinary toxicologists can answer your questions and concerns quickly and efficiently. When you call your veterinarian, many of the poisons they must look up in books or online, which takes precious time. Many veterinarians are closed overnight or on weekends and refer to emergency clinics. The above poison control hotlines can tell you right away if your pet needs to be taken to the veterinarian.
When you call, have available:
- the substance ingested (container label is helpful!)
- approximately how much you believe your pet ingested
- when you believe your pet ingested the substance
- the weight of your pet
Don’t wait! Some substances can cause lasting damage or even death when not treated immediately. When in doubt, please call!!!