Voted Best Veterinary Clinic
Over the years, we have found that the best way to keep pets safe is to educate pet owners on substances they may not realize are harmful for their pets. To help keep your pets safe, please review the following information to ensure your pet’s safety.
1. Human and Pet Medications
Medications (both over-the-counter and prescription) make up 37% of the calls to the Animal Poison Control Center. Many medications have child-proof lids. Unfortunately, these lids do not keep a determined dog from chewing them open. Pills are extremely dangerous because of their compact but potent nature.
Be sure all pill bottles and blister packs are stored out of the reach of your pet. Don’t forget that your pet’s prescriptions and vitamins can also be dangerous if your pet consumes them all at once.
2. Food
Even an innocent handout of food can cause a pet to become deathly ill. From grapes to garlic, often pet poisons seem inconspicuous. Keep these foods on your cat’s or dog’s “do not eat list:”
- Products with xylitol or” sugar alcohol.” These often include baked goods, vitamin gummies, sugar free gum and dental products.
- Raisins and grapes
- Chocolate
- Onions
- Garlic
Double-check all of your cabinets where you store human food to make sure your pet is unable to access these areas.
3. Non-Pet-Friendly Plants
Bringing the outdoors in and gardening are a great way to celebrate warmer weather. Some of the most striking and common plants can make your pet very sick. When you shop for your spring blooms, try to avoid these plants that are poisonous to pets:
- Philodendron
- Lilies
- Aloe
- Hyacinth
- Oleander
- Sago Palms
- Daffodils
- Tulips
- Amaryllis
Want to green up your space? Try one of these pet-friendly plants:
- Succulents
- Christmas Cacti
- African Violets
- Orchids
- Spider PLants
- Polka Dot Plants
4. Gardening Supplies
Veterinarians often see pet poisonings caused by gardening chemicals. Use caution with all fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Don’t let your pet walk over grass or garden areas until the fertilizer or pesticides are fully dried and safe (according to the packaging instructions).
Fertilizers contain fish meal and blood meal, smelling great to your pet. Keep your pet away from areas where you spread fertilizer to ensure your pet doesn’t taste test the soil.
Choose pet-safe products and store chemicals in a locked cupboard or on a high shelf.
5. Rodenticides
Using poisons to rid your home of unwelcome rodents can result in serious injury to your pet, even death. If you are battling with rodents, choose pet-friendly methods or consult a professional that can help keep your pets safe.
If your pet has consumed anything that may be poisonous, immediately call Animal Poison Control Center at 855-764-7661, and seek veterinary care right away. Animal Poison Control will work with your veterinarian to provide the best care in the event of poisoning.
If possible, bring the package and remaining product/food with you to your veterinarian.
The Rivertown Animal Hospital team wishes for a healthy and safe summer for you and your pets.