Pet Poison Prevention: A Complete Guide to Keeping Dogs and Cats Safe

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the most common household items that are poisonous to dogs and cats, emergency steps to take if your pet ingests something toxic, and practical prevention strategies to create a pet-safe home.

According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, they handled over 401,550 cases of potential pet poisonings in a recent year. Many of these emergencies involved common household items that pet parents didn't realize were dangerous.

Most Common Household Poisons for Dogs and Cats 

Foods

The Pet Poison Helpline reports that these everyday foods pose serious risks to dogs and cats:

• Chocolate - Contains theobromine and caffeine which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous.
  
• Xylitol (or birch sugar) - This sugar substitute found in gum, candy, baked goods, and some peanut butters can trigger insulin release in dogs, leading to liver failure. Even small amounts can be fatal.
  
• Grapes and Raisins - Can cause kidney failure in dogs, with some pets affected by just a few grapes while others may tolerate more. The FDA's article on people foods to avoid feeding pets confirms all grapes and raisins should be considered toxic.
  
• Onions, Garlic, and Chives - These contain compounds that can damage red blood cells, potentially causing anemia. Cats are particularly susceptible.
  
• Alcohol - Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, and potentially death.
  
  

Plants 

The ASPCA's Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List includes over 1,000 plants that are toxic to pets. The most dangerous and commonly search for include:

• Lilies - Extremely toxic to cats, and even small exposures can cause severe kidney failure.
  
• Sago Palms - All parts are poisonous, but the seeds contain the highest concentration of toxins. Ingestion can lead to liver failure and death.
  
• Tulips and Daffodils - The bulbs contain alkaloids that cause severe gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, and cardiac arrhythmias in severe cases.
• Azaleas and Rhododendrons - These plants contain grayanotoxins, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and cardiac failure.

Always make sure the plants you bring home are safe according to the extended list, this will help reduce the chances of intoxication in your household and keep your pets healthy and safe!

Human Medications

Many pet parents might not know this, but human products, especially medications, are not made the same way as those for veterinary use. Although some medications can be given to pets, it is always important to know about the ones that can cause more harm than good. The FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine warns pet parents about these common medications:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers - Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can cause stomach ulcers, kidney failure, and liver damage in pets.
  
  
• Antidepressants - Can cause vomiting, lethargy, decreased appetite, and in some cases, serotonin syndrome.
  
  
• ADHD medications - Stimulants like Adderall can cause dangerous elevations in body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure in pets.
  
  

Household Chemicals

• Cleaning Products - Products containing bleach, ammonia, and phenols can cause corrosive injuries to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract.
  
• Insecticides and Rodenticides - These products are designed to be toxic and can cause severe poisoning in pets who ingest them.
  
  
• Antifreeze - Contains ethylene glycol, which has a sweet taste attractive to pets. The American Veterinary Medical Association notes that even small amounts can be fatal.

The rule of thumb is: make sure you store these products in areas of your home where your pets do not have access to.

Signs of Pet Poisoning: What to Look For 

Knowing what to look for and how fast you act can make a total change in your pet’s life in the event of an emergency with intoxication.

Experts emphasize that symptoms of poisoning can vary widely depending on the toxin, but common signs include:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Drooling or excessive salivation
• Lethargy or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Pale or yellow gums
• Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
• Increased heart rate
• Seizures or tremors
• Disorientation or stumbling
• Collapse

Time is critical in poisoning cases, which is why experts in the veterinary medicine field recommend following these steps immediately:

1. Remove your pet from the area of the suspected poison to prevent further exposure.
   

2. Collect information about the potential poison:

   • Product container or packaging
   • Approximate amount ingested
   • Time of ingestion
   • Any symptoms your pet is showing
     
     
3. Contact a veterinarian or pet poison hotline immediately. Do not induce vomiting or administer home remedies unless specifically instructed by a veterinary professional.
   
   
4. Take your pet to a veterinary facility if advised to do so, bringing the poison container, package, or sample with you if possible.

Emergency Contact Information:

We recommend having these handy for faster action:

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 (Available 24/7, a consultation fee may apply)

• Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (Available 24/7, a fee applies)

Pet Poison Prevention: Room-by-Room Safety Guide 

According to the AVMA's household hazards guide, these prevention strategies can help create a pet-safe home:

Kitchen Safety for Pets

• Store toxic foods like chocolate, xylitol products, grapes/raisins, and onions in closed cabinets with secure latches.
• Keep trash cans secured with lids or in latched cabinets.
• Clean up food spills immediately.
• Be aware of counter-surfing pets and never leave toxic foods unattended.

Bathroom Safety for Pets

• Keep all medications, including supplements and vitamins, in secure cabinets.
• Never leave pills out on counters or in pill organizers that are accessible to pets.
• Store cleaning products in cabinets with childproof latches.
• Keep toilet lids closed to prevent drinking from toilets, especially if using automatic bowl cleaners.

Living Area Safety for Pets

• Research plants before bringing them into your home, using the ASPCA's plant database.
• Keep houseplants out of reach or choose pet-safe alternatives.
• Secure electrical cords to prevent chewing.
• Be mindful of air fresheners and essential oils, which can be harmful to pets, especially cats.

Garage and Garden Safety for Pets

• Store automotive fluids, fertilizers, pesticides, and tools in secured areas.
• Clean up spills immediately, especially antifreeze.
• Follow label directions carefully when applying garden chemicals.
• Keep pets away from treated areas for the recommended time period.
• Consider creating a designated pet-friendly garden area with only non-toxic plants.

Creating a Pet Poison Emergency Plan

It is highly recommended having a plan in place before emergencies occur so you can stay ahead of the game and ready to act!
Here are the main recommendations from veterinarians and experts:

1. Create a pet emergency kit including:

• • Copy of vaccination records
  • List of current medications
  • Photo of your pet
  • Contact information for your veterinarian and closest emergency clinic
  • Pet first aid supplies

P.S.: you can do all of these within the Tailr Document Hub and have your pet’s information in the palm of your hands, in seconds. 

2. Program emergency numbers into your phone:

• • Your regular veterinarian
  • Nearest emergency veterinary clinics
  • ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435)
  • Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661)

Having these numbers saved into your contacts list will make accessing them extremely fast and handy.

3. Keep important information accessible to anyone who might care for your pet in your absence. 

With the Tailr App, you have the ability to store and share your pet’s important information with their caretakers with a simple scan of the Tailr tag. 
Pet parents have full control of what kind of information is private or public, and this setting can be changed at any time!

Conclusion

While the list of potential pet poisons can seem overwhelming, awareness and prevention are your best tools for keeping your pets safe. By pet-proofing your home, knowing what substances are toxic, and having a plan in place for emergencies, you can significantly reduce the risk of poisoning incidents.

Remember, when it comes to suspected poisoning, time is crucial. Don't wait to see if symptoms develop or worsen—contact a veterinary professional immediately. The sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome is likely to be.

Essential Pet Poison Hotlines and Resources 

24/7 Emergency Resources:

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center - Call (888) 426-4435 (fee applies)
• Pet Poison Helpline - Call (855) 764-7661 (fee applies)

Additional Resources:

• AVMA Household Hazards Guide
• ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List

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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet's health.