March is Pet Poison Prevention Month, and our veterinarian at Pacific Animal Hospital of Redondo Beach is using the opportunity to help educate pet parents on how to protect their pets from toxins and poisons.
Unfortunately, many of the things people commonly keep around our homes and even several of the foods and beverages that we enjoy are poisonous for pets and can cause organ damage, severe illness, and even death if ingested. Consider the following tips to create a safer environment in your home for your pet.
4 Tips to Prevent Pet Poisoning by Pet Proofing Your Home
1. Store All Medications and Supplements Securely
Over-the-counter and prescription medications for humans are poisonous for pets. Additionally, many nutritional substances are toxic for pets, too. Be sure to store these securely and pick up any pills you might drop on the floor.
2. Keep Household Chemicals Out of Reach
It might seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning that most household cleaners, chemicals, detergents, and even toiletry items are toxic for pets. Store these in upper cabinets, out of the reach of your pet, and never leave them unattended around pets.
3. Don't Grow Toxic Plants in Your Home or Garden
Several common houseplants and garden plants are extremely toxic and dangerous to have in or around households with pets. Check your houseplants and garden plants against this list of toxic plants from the ASPCA and choose to fill your home with non-toxic, pet-friendly greenery instead.
4. Don't Feed Your Pet Human Foods
The digestive systems and body chemistry of dogs and cats differ from our own. So, just because a certain food is safe for you to eat does not mean it’s safe for your dog or cat to eat. Some common toxic foods include chocolate, xylitol, onions, garlic, chives, shallots, alcohol, caffeine, raisins and grapes, citrus, certain nuts, and yeast dough.
What to Do If Your Pet Ingests a Poison
If you know or suspect that your pet has ingested a poisonous substance, it’s essential to take immediate action.
- If you can, rinse out your pet's mouth using a hose or spray nozzle by spraying to the side across your pet's mouth rather than pointing the spray toward the pet's throat.
- Make note of the substance your pet ingested and/or save the packaging.
- Contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control for immediate assistance and instruction over the phone.
- Contact our veterinary office and seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
To learn more about pet poisoning and how to protect your pet from ingesting toxic substances, we welcome you to contact Pacific Animal Hospital of Redondo Beach today.
