Tips to Avoid Pet Poisoning from the ASPCA

By Deanna, on April 14th, 2007 |

Here’s some tips from the ASPCA to help all pets owners safeguard their furbabies from the deadly hazards of poisoning.

Be aware of the plants you have in your home and yard: Some plants such as Sago Palm, Oleander and Rhodendron can be toxic to pets if ingested.

Donâ€™t allow pets to have access to the areas in which cleaning agents are being used or stored: Cleaning agents have a variety of properties; some may only cause mild stomach upset, but others can cause severe burns of the tongue, mouth, and stomach.

Be careful when using rat and mouse baits.

Read the label first: Always read the label before using flea products on or around your pets. For example, some flea products for dogs can be deadly if given to cats.

Keep all prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of your petsâ€™ reach, preferably in closed cabinets: Pain killers, cold medicines, antidepressants, vitamins, and diet pills are all examples of human medications that can be lethal to animals, even in small doses.

Be aware of foods that are harmful to pets: Thereâ€™s a long list of food items that potentially could be dangerous to pets. They include: onions, onion powder, chocolate, chewing gum, raisins and grapes, alcoholic beverages, yeast dough, coffee, tea, salt, macadamia nuts, hops (used in home beer brewing), tomato leaves and stems, rhubarb leaves, and moldy or spoiled foods.

Automotive products such as gasoline, oil and antifreeze should be stored in areas that are inaccessible to your pets: As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly to a cat; less than one tablespoon can be lethal to a 20-pound dog, according to veterinarians.

Make sure your pets do not go on lawns or in gardens treated with fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides until they have dried completely

For more information on potentially dangerous substances in the home or to reach the ASPCAâ€™s Animal Poison Control Center, call (888) 426-4435 or visit www.aspca.org/apcc