Avoiding Pet Poisoning in the Home
www.petpoisonhelpline.com (2016)
Chocolate, pesticides, rodent poison, and bleach are household items that are well known to be poisonous to our beloved pets. But there are other lesser-known things throughout the house that must be kept away from your pets.
Over the Counter Medications
No big surprise that human medications are to be avoided, but even over the counter medications pain relievers can and will cause major problems with your pet. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, Excedrin) or non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve) can cause liver or kidney failure in your pets.
Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets dissipate static electricity throughout your clothes by the chemicals applied to those sheets. Unfortunately, those chemicals are harmful to your pets. Even if a sheet was already used chewing and swallowing a sheet can be harmful. Keep in mind that the smell of the sheets that we find so appealing is also appealing to your pets.
Batteries
Ok, it stands to reason that you wouldn’t give your dog a battery to play with or chew on. But keep in mind that electrical devices such as a television remote, or a child’s toy probably have batteries in them. So if you see your dog using it as a chew toy, please take it away. A dog does not have to swallow the battery whole to be dangerous. The chemicals in the battery can be harmful if the battery is punctured by chewing on it.
Sugar-free candies
Sugar-free candies and gums contain an additive named Xylitol which can be deadly to pets. Dogs digest Xylitol differently than humans do. It is absorbed quickly which will sharply increase their insulin production dropping the dog’s blood sugar levels to dangerous often deadly levels. Xylitol can be found in candies, gum, chewable vitamins, toothpaste, and mouthwash to name a few.
Toxic Table scraps
Although sharing a bite with your pet may seem harmless, human food can be harmful-even deadly. Some of these foods include, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, fatty foods, grapes and raisins, Macadamia nuts, onions and garlic, salt in high doses, and yeast-based dough.
Top Toxic Calls
Based on the Pet Poison Helpline, a top 10 list of the most common calls was created. For cats, the top 10 toxic calls include “lilies, topical dog flea, and tick medicine, household cleaners, antidepressant drugs, mouse and rat poison, Motrin and Acetaminophen, glow sticks and jewelry, ADD and ADHD drugs, decongestants, and essential oils (2016).” Accordingly, the top 10 toxic calls for dogs include “chocolate, mouse and rat poisons, Motrin and Acetaminophen, xylitol, Vitamin D, antidepressant drugs, fertilizers, grapes and raisins, decongestant medications, and caffeine pills and drinks (Pet Poison Helpline, 2016).”
Nationwide for pet insurance recommends that the Pet Poison Helpline contact information be placed in a handy and easily accessible area including during travel. More information on Nationwide pet insurance can be found at BestPetInsuranceEver.com or call 1-800-672-9259.
Pet Poison Helpline 1-855-289-0358 www.petpoisonhelpline.com
References
Pet Poison Helpline (2016). Preventing Pet Poisoning Emergencies: Pet Education Series. www.petpoisonhelpline.com