Pet Toxins At Home

March is Poison Prevention Month. Did you know that you almost certainly have a few pet toxins in your home at this moment? It’s important to make sure your pet doesn’t encounter something that could prove dangerous! Learn more below from a Pickerington, OH veterinarian.

Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning supplies are a particular hazard this time of year, when many of us are doing spring cleaning. Did you know that everything from household disinfectants and bleach-based products to furniture polish and air fresheners can harm a pet who ingests it? It’s always safest to keep pets elsewhere when using cleaning chemicals, and make sure to keep your supply closet door shut tightly at all times so that pets can’t reach the items inside.

Medication

Human medicine is not something that your pet should get their paws on. Antidepressants, cough syrup, over-the-counter drugs, prescription pills, and even aspirin can cause serious health trouble, among many others! Make no mistake: a pet with strong jaws might be able to chew through a flimsy plastic medicine bottle. Keep the medicine cabinet secured so that pets can’t gain access.

Toxic Foods

You almost certainly have several toxic foods for pets in your kitchen. The list includes chocolate, candy, gum, onions, garlic, chives, leeks, scallions, shallots, grapes and raisins, salty foods, rich or buttery foods, caffeinated foods and beverages, certain types of nuts, avocado, and much more. Store harmful foods inside cabinets or containers where pets can’t reach them.

Poisonous Plants

There is a long list of potentially harmful plants and flowers, both of the indoor and outdoor variety. Some common offenders include lilies, tulips, daffodils, rhododendron (also called azalea), dieffenbachia, elephant ear, certain types of aloe plants, ivy, and oleander. Consult your veterinarian to find out if any hazardous plants are a particular problem in your area, and visit the ASPCA’s website for a full list of both toxic and non-toxic plant varieties.

Pesticides

If you set up pesticide or rodenticide products in your home to ward off unwanted critters, use caution. These products are, after all, poisonous, and can harm companion animals too! Put pesticides in areas where house pets don’t go, and consider using non-toxic alternative methods that are safer for pets. These aren’t the only dangers for pets in our homes. Would you like more great tips on keeping your furry friend safe? Contact your Pickerington, OH veterinary clinic today for help.