Pet Poison Prevention Awareness

There are many toxic chemicals, dangerous plants, as well as products and substances that are a part of our everyday surroundings that can be poisonous or even fatal to animals. Unfortunately, a pet can ingest a household chemical, lap up a liquid, or chew a seemingly harmless plant, and become sick or die.

Here is a list of potential toxins in your home:

Plants:

Lily of the Valley, Oleander, Rhododendron, Azalea, Yew, Foxglove, Kalanchoe, Rhubarb Leaves, Shamrock, Lilies, Sago Palms, Cycad Palms, some species of Mushrooms, Corn Plant, Ribbon Plant, Dracaena species.

Kitchen/Bathroom:

Trash: Coffee grounds

Foods: Grapes and raisins, chocolate, yeast dough, avocado, alcoholic beverages, tea, macadamia nuts, onions, salt, fatty foods, xylitol

Painkillers & Medications: These can be deadly. Never give any medication of any kind unless directed by your veterinarian, and always follow the instructions.

Soaps, Detergents & Cleansers

Bedroom/Living Room:

Mothballs

Batteries

Garage/Yard:

Antifreeze, Gasoline, Insecticides and herbicides, glues and adhesives.

Poison Prevention Tips

Accidental poisoning of a pet can happen quickly, sometimes in a matter of seconds. It can be far easier and less stressful to take a few preventative measure.

• Keep medicine, cleaners, pesticides and automotive products locked up or stored out of reach of pets and children
• Before using any chemical, always read the label and follow the instructions for safe use, storage and disposal
• Never give any medication or supplement to your pet without consulting your veterinarian.
• Always read the label before using any flea control product on or around your pet. For example, “for dogs only” can cause serious or life-threatening illness in cats.

Put Together a Poison Safety Kit

Experts suggest the following items be kept in a safety kit, in case of an emergency.

• Fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide 3% (USP)
• Can of soft dog or cat food
• Turkey baster to administer hydrogen peroxide
• Saline eye solution to flush out contaminants
• Artificial tear gel to lubricate eyes after flushing
• Mild dish detergent to wash pet after skin contamination
• Rubber gloves
• Tweezers to remove stingers
• Muzzle (an excited or scared pet may harm you)
• Pet carrier

If you suspect that your pet has ingested a toxic substance, call your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center.

Ammon Veterinary Hospital: 208-552-9825

Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435