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Poisonous to our Pets
Your home
and garden, a safe haven for you and your family, may provide potential
dangers to your pets. Certain plants, foods, medications, etc. can be
potentially dangerous to our furry friends. Here are some examples to be
aware of and who to call if your pet ingests something toxic!
Top 5 Pet Poisons
1.)
Plants: More
than 700 plants have been identified as producing physiologically active
or toxic substances in sufficient amounts to cause harmful effects in
animals. Poisonous plants can cause reactions ranging from mild nausea
to death.
* Some moderate to severe toxic plants:
azalea/rhododendrons, pointsettas, lilies (life-threatening in small
amounts), tulip bulbs, chrysanthemums, oleander, jimson weed, and
nightshade
2.)
People Food: Some
people food can cause serious harm to our pets. Examples include –
grapes, raisins, avocado, macadamia nuts, onions (anemia and even death)
and garlic. One of the worst offenders is chocolate which contains large
amount of methylxanthines and if ingested can cause vomiting, excessive
thirst, and in severe cases, tremors and seizures.
3.)
Chemical Hazards: Antifreeze
(ethylene glycol) is the biggest culprite in this category. Leaky
radiators form puddles on your driveway. Cat/dogs are attracted to the
sweet smell and can ingest it. Other chemicals to be aware of are paint
thinner and pool/spa cleaners.
4.)
Fertilizer: Fertilizers
can cause problems for your outdoor cats/dogs. Be careful which
fertilizers, weed killers and pesticides you use. Many cats love to eat
grass and the chemicals can transfer onto your pet’s favorite toy.
5.)
Medications/Pesticides: Watch where you store your medications! Pets often snatch pill vials
from counters and nightstands or gobble up medications accidentally
dropped on the floor. Examples of extremely toxic medications to cats
are Tylenol and phenazopyridine. Also be aware of misuse of flea and
tick products; such as applying the wrong topical treatment to the wrong
species. For example – Advantix for dogs (or other topical pesticides
for dogs or humans –DEE & permethrin) to treat fleas/ticks can be
toxic to cats. If you share a home with both a cat and a dog; a cat can
lick/rub the fur of the dog and become exposed. So be careful!
Don’t panic; rapid response is important, but panicking can
interfere with the process of helping your pet.
If you witness your pet consuming material that you suspect
might be toxic, do not hesitate to seek emergency assistance; even if
you donnot notice any adverse effects, yet!
You can call your veterinarian for assistance or the
American Association of Poison Control Centers poisoning emergency
number is 1-800-222-1222 and can be called from
anywhere in the United States (be aware their will be a consultation
fee).
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