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Do You Already Have These Pet Poisons In Your Home?

March 1, 2019

There are plenty of pet poisons out there. You’ll be surprised to learn that you likely have some in your home at this moment, no matter how hard you try to avoid it! Fortunately, you can keep your pet safe with a few simple precautions. Learn more here from a Hudson Valley, NY veterinarian.

Toxic Foods

Almost every kitchen contains at least a few foods that pets shouldn’t ingest. The list includes garlic, onions, chives, leeks, scallions, shallots, grapes and raisins, chocolate, gum and candies sweetened with xylitol, salt, certain nuts, fatty foods, and alcohol, among others. Store all harmful food in containers or cabinets where pets can’t reach, and keep your companion out of the kitchen when preparing meals.

Cleaning Supplies

A vast variety of cleaning supplies can harm a pet who manages to ingest them. Everything from bleach-based products and carpet shampoo to air fresheners and household disinfectants poses a serious threat. Other chemicals that might be found in a garage or garden shed—antifreeze, turpentine, and much more—are also extremely dangerous. Don’t let your pet come in contact with any chemicals; store these products carefully in locked closets, and move your pet elsewhere when cleaning with strong chemicals.

Pesticide Products

If you use pesticides in your home to ward off intruding insects or rodents, place them with caution. After all, these items are designed to kill the critters that come into contact with them, and it’s senseless to put your animal companion at risk! Place pesticide products where house pets can’t reach them, and consider trying non-toxic alternatives like traps.

Medication

Many common painkillers are NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and they aren’t safe for pets. NSAIDs, when ingested in large amounts, can lead to serious stomach and kidney damage. Other medications like cough syrup, antidepressants, and a variety of over-the-counter and prescription pills are also dangerous. Store your family’s medications in areas where pets can’t gain access, and keep your pet’s own medicine in a separate area entirely so that the two don’t get mixed up.

Poisonous Plant Life

All sorts of plants and flowers can harm a pet. Some common offenders include dieffenbachia, lilies, oleander, ivy, rhododendron (also called azalea), philodendron, elephant ear, the sago palm, daffodils, and certain aloe plants. Keep pets away at all times!

Want to know more about potential pet poisons in your home? Call your Hudson Valley, NY vet.