March is Poison Prevention Month—did you know that some, if not all, of the following poisons may already be found in your home? Fortunately, a few simple precautions will keep your animal companion safe from harm. Learn more below from your Crown Point, IN vet.
Toxic Foods
Nearly every kitchen across the country contains at least a few potential toxic foods for pets. The list includes grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, chives, chocolate, candy, avocado, alcohol, caffeinated foods and drinks, certain nuts, fatty foods, salt, and more. Never leave anything harmful out on countertops or tables, where curious pets may be able to gain access. Instead, store these foods safely in the refrigerator or inside of a closed cabinet.
Human Medicine
Various human medications—everything from aspirin and antidepressants to prescription pills and cough syrup—can prove harmful to our pets. Keep your medicine cabinet closed and locked at all times; remember, a pet with strong jaws may be able to easily tear apart a child-proof plastic cap! Also make sure to store your family’s medications and those of your pet far apart, as mixing the two up could cause serious problems.
Poisonous Plant Life
There is a long list of poisonous or irritating plants and flowers; some of the more common offenders include lilies, dieffenbachia, poinsettias, tulips, daffodils, chrysanthemums, the sago palm, and certain aloe plants, among many others. Consult the ASPCA’s website for a complete list of toxic and non-toxic plants, and ask your veterinarian what sort of harmful plant life is most common in your area.
Cleaning Supplies
Don’t leave your cleaning closet open, where your pet could gain access to the substances inside. Everything from disinfectants, floor cleaner, and air fresheners to solvents, ammonia, and paint thinner can harm a pet easily if too much is ingested. Also beware of antifreeze, which is commonly used during the colder months. It may contain ethylene glycol, a deadly alcoholic substance that may even attract pets with its sweet smell and taste.
Pesticides and Fertilizer
Do you use pesticides in your home to ward off insect or rodent pests? Place these carefully, as they can poison our animal companions just as easily as the critters they’re made to kill. Also store garden and lawn fertilizers carefully, as they can poison a pet who swallows them.
Ask your Crown Point, IN veterinarian about other pet toxins in your home.
